Consultation with the general practitioner triggered by advice from social network members.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether advice from a person's social network triggers contact with the general practitioner (GP).


METHODS
Case-crossover design comparing the frequency of advice given to seek medical attention in the period before contact with a GP and the frequency in matching control time periods for the same individual.


METHODS
Twenty-one Danish GPs working in single-handed practices.


METHODS
322 patients, aged between 18 and 91 years, were interviewed by telephone after an unscheduled visit to their GP; 148 were interviewed again 3-6 months later.


METHODS
The odds of individuals consulting their GP after receiving advice from network members in the period before they contacted their GP compared with the odds of those consulting their GP in the control period(s).


RESULTS
Being advised by others to seek medical attention increased the likelihood of seeking primary health care approximately fivefold--single men received advice significantly less frequently (7%) than women (18%) and cohabiting men (32%).


CONCLUSIONS
Advice from other social network members to seek medical attention is a frequent and influential cue prompting individuals to contact their GP.
Eriksson
Tina
T
Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. eriksson@dadlnet.dk
Maclure
Malcolm
M
Kragstrup
Jakob
J
D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003718:Denmark; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support