On the variation in conceptions among primary care physicians regarding hypercholesterolaemia: a phenomenographic analysis.
Twenty primary care physicians at 12 health centres in Sweden were interviewed in a semi-structured way. Analysis was conducted using a phenomenographic method. Concerning the general attitude towards cardiovascular disease (CVD), there were two categories of answers; (A) CVD is a big threat to public health, and the health care system should play an active role in treatment and prevention, and (B) CVD is a symptom of normal aging with little or no need for active health care intervention. Questions on the management of hypercholesterolaemia showed a general acceptance of diet and lifestyle alterations, with a marked reluctance to use drugs except in cases of hereditary hypercholesterolaemia. The physicians were positive to non-commercial information from official sources. Critical opinions existed, however, questioning the adequacy and applicability of the national expert recommendations. There was a general acknowledgement of the importance of patient information, whereas a lack in communication skills was expressed. The description of attitudes and conceptions can assist in the understanding of mechanism underlying physicians' behaviour and provide a base for future information programmes.
Dahlgren
L O
LO
Department of Education and Psychology, University of Linköping, Sweden.
Diwan
V K
VK
Tomson
G
G
Wahlström
R
R
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D010821:Physicians, Family; D012307:Risk Factors