Someone to talk to? The role of loneliness as a factor in the frequency of GP consultations.
BACKGROUND
There are many reasons why people frequently consult their general practitioner (GP). Although loneliness is increasingly recognized as a problem affecting well-being for elderly people, it has rarely been addressed as a predictor of frequency of consultation.


OBJECTIVE
To examine whether loneliness is associated with rates of GP consultations (home and surgery visits).


METHODS
Analysis of data collected in face-to-face interviews at the second wave of a longitudinal health survey of two adult age cohorts living in four socially contrasting urban localities in Glasgow City. There were a total of 691 subjects: 142 males and 176 females aged 40 years at interview; and 167 males and 206 females aged 60 years at interview. Frequency of reported GP consultations in the past 12 months at home or in the surgery was examined.


RESULTS
After controlling for sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables and health, loneliness was significantly associated with frequency of consultation at the surgery but not with the frequency of home visits.


CONCLUSIONS
Loneliness may still be underestimated as a factor related independently to frequency of consultations with a GP at the surgery.
Ellaway
A
A
Medical Research Council Medical Sociology Unit, Glasgow.
Wood
S
S
Macintyre
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D006113:United Kingdom