Monitoring Health Status, Access to Health Care, and Compliance Behavior in a Large Urban Community

This article summarizes results from 2 health surveys conducted in Los Angeles County in 1974 and 1977. The original objective of this analysis was to identify aggregate changes in the health status of this population, in access as measured by the use/disability ratio, and in self-reported compliance with medical regimens. Additionally, we have suggested that this study illustrates the value of local population surveys for health policy--particularly in regard to recent Health Systems Agencies legislation. Substantial correspondence was found between the health status characteristics of both samples and national estimates, particularly for the prevalence of chronic illness. We also found a 3-year trend of increasing disability that is consisted with national data. However, unlike the national estimates, we found evidence of improved access relative to disability, and a corresponding reduction in the traditional income differential. Analysis of self-reported compliance showed little change over time, with Anglos and the middle and upper socioeconomic groups reporting less compliance with their doctors' recommendations.