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Health beliefs and GP consultations by older people: a secondary analysis of the British health and lifestyle survey
- Authors:
- PENDRY Elizabeth, BARRETT Geraldine, VICTOR Christina
- Journal article citation:
- Health Care in Later Life, 3(4), 1998, pp.237-251.
In the UK, the general practitioner (GP) is the main health service contact for older people. The increasing number of older people and a rise in reported morbidity among this group suggest that expenditure on GP services is set to increase. Using the Health and Lifestyle Survey, carried out in the UK in 1991/2, this study aims to examine who consults GPs and why. This analysis looks at the effect of older people's health beliefs on GP consultation rates, in conjunction with health and symptom experience. The findings do not indicate and 'inappropriate' use of GP services by older people. Concludes with the suggestion that it is not merely the presence of symptoms that prompts a consultation but it is the impact these symptoms on the individual's ability to function that is significant.