Relationship between symptoms, sociodemographic factors, and general practice help-seeking in 10 904 adults aged 50 and over.

Abstract

Symptoms are a common reason for contact with primary care. This study investigated associations between symptom-related, demographic, social, and economic factors on general practice (GP) help-seeking. Secondary analysis of responses to a 25-symptom questionnaire, from 10 904 adults aged ≥50 years reporting at least one symptom in the preceding year. Cluster analysis and univariable and multivariable logistic regressions explored associations between self-reported GP help-seeking, symptom-related factors, and respondent characteristics. Most respondents, 7638 (70%), reported more than one symptom in the preceding year. Ten symptom clusters were identified. Most included common symptoms like headache and back or joint pain. There were increased odds of help-seeking in females, those with poorer health status and those unable to work due to illness/disability when multiple symptoms were reported, but not when single symptoms were reported. Age and sex had variable effects on help-seeking, depending on the symptom. Reporting poorer health status, more comorbidities, and being unable to work due to illness or disability increased odds of help-seeking across a diverse variety of symptoms. Single people and those reporting lower social contact had lower odds of help-seeking for some symptoms. Being a current smoker reduced odds of help-seeking for persistent indigestion/heartburn, persistent cough, coughing up phlegm, and shortness of breath. Factors associated with self-reported help-seeking vary for different symptoms. Poorer health and adverse economic and social factors are associated with increased GP help-seeking. These wider determinants of health interact with symptom experiences and will influence GP workload.