Abstract:

Objective To explore whether the new rural cooperative medical system (NCMS) had any effect on promoting farmers′ related health index, and to quantitatively evaluate the implementation of NCMS. Methods Data of rural residents participating NCMS in 2004 and 2009 were evaluated with the different to different method (DID model) and Probit model. The samples were divided into control group (n=1 058) and participation group (n=2 879). The changes of health effect evaluation index (four weeks prevalence rate, body mass index, and self-reported health) of the two groups were evaluated. Results The NCMS was certain to promote the body mass index (r=－0.139, P=0.036, OR=0.871) and self-reported health (r=－0.214, P=0.001, OR=0.807), but had no significant effect to the prevalence rate. Job, age, and income were relevant factors for abnormal body mass index. Gender, age, income, family size, and marital status had influence on selfperceived health value (P＜0.05). Conclusion For more effectively promoting the NCMS effects on health related index in rural life, more attention should be paid to broadcast the health life concept; healthy life style should be developed; and the medical and health care service should be emphasized.

Key words: new rural cooperative medical system, different to different method, Probit model, health effect