INVESTIGATION OF HEALTH-SERVICES AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH LARYNGECTOMIES IN HONG-KONG - A STUDY OF SELF-HELP INVOLVEMENT

The aim of the study was two-fold: (1) identifying the importance of t he health services needs and the social needs of persons with laryngec tomies in Hong Kong; and (2) investigating the relationship between th e degree of self-help involvement and the perception of the importance of those needs. Forty-six members of the New Voice Club (a self-help group) with at least one year of membership were selected to respond t o a questionnaire in a face-to-face situation. Results indicated that both professional speech training available in hospitals/clinics and m utual-learning classes organized by the Club were perceived to be of e qual importance. Regular Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and radiotherapy s ervices were considered to be essential according to one's need, while convalescence care and hospice care were not important. Pre- and post -operative visits and services offered by both professionals and peers were preferred. No relationship was found between the degree of self- help involvement and the respondents degree of needs perceived.