Sociodemographic and psychopathological features of frequent attenders in Primary Care

Abstract

Objective. To determine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of frequent attenders and compare them with another group of routine attenders in three primary care centers.

Method. The sample is composed by 232 frequent attenders (defined by number of consultations in the last year of 12 or more) and 93 routine attenders. The instruments used are: a questionnaire for the evaluation of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and the 28-item Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).

Results. The logistic regression shows that increase of age, low level of education, presence of chronic disease, psychiatric diagnosis and presence of psychopathological minor symptomatology establish significant differences in the group of frequent attenders in relation to the routine attenders group. There are no significant differences between men and women.

Conclusion. Frequent attenders present higher rates of physical, mental and social complaints. Age, some chronic conditions and psychopathology are the most important factors for frequent attendance.