[Medical services utilisation: which role does social support play?--Results from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)].

Aims: This study examined the role of social support in relation to the use of medical services in a north-eastern German population.
Methods: A representative random sample of the Pomeranian population (4,310 persons) was analysed. The response rate was 68.8 %. Bivariate and multivariate associations between socio-economic variables, need (evaluated and perceived health status), social support and the number of consultations (general practitioners or internists) were assessed. The SF-12 and the MOS social support survey were used as standardised instruments.
Results: Social supports showed no main effects on utilisation rates. Individuals living in a partnership showed lower levels of utilisation (median: 4.3 vs. 6.2). The combination of high morbidity and low social support or no partnership results in an increase in medical services utilisation.
Conclusions: Social support treatments that target an appropriate use of the health care system can be a cost-effective measure in chronically ill patients.