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 p

SUBMITTER: Adam R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11832149 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature