Patient social and economic circumstances--GP perceptions and their influence on management.
BACKGROUND
Socioeconomic status (SES) is a major determinant of health. There is little research on if or how general practitioners assess this in individual patients and use it in their clinical practice.


METHODS
An exploratory pilot study was conducted using qualitative methodology. Telephone interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 11 GPs.


RESULTS
The participating GPs commonly assessed SES through observation of patient behaviour and presentation, contextualised with knowledge of the patient's background and the community, rather than direct enquiry. The GPs understood the link between low SES and poor health primarily in terms of a higher prevalence of behavioural risk factors. Participating GPs were generally pessimistic about achieving behaviour change for patients they identified as being of low SES.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners' complex understanding of SES is supported by newer theories of health inequalities and social position. However, GP attitudes may potentially play a role in reinforcing inequalities. Further research is needed regarding the relationship between GP perceptions and objective indicators of SES.
Furler
John
J
Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Victoria. jfurler@unimelb.edu.au
Stewart
Andrew
A
Sims
Jane
J
Naccarella
Lucio
L
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005194:Family Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005249:Fees and Charges / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011159:Population Surveillance; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014739:Victoria