Perceived and presented morbidity in general practice. A study with diaries in four general practices in The Netherlands

Abstract

In four general practices in The Netherlands, 277 respondents reported in a diary on perceived morbidity during four weeks. Data of presented morbidity were provided by the general practitioners in these practices, who were accustomed to morbidity registration. As a mean, one complaint was reported every three or four days. Most complaints concerned disorders of the musculo-skeletal system, psychological disorders, and disorders of the upper respiratory tract and the digestive tract. About one-third of all complaints led to medicine taking. According to the GPs' records, one in five of the respondents consulted their GP. Approximately 10% of the complaints were reported to the GP. There was a connection between family members with respect to the frequency of reporting complaints. Because of selection of participating practices, families and respondents, the result can not be applied to the Dutch population as a whole. The results of this study agree with most of the literature on this subject.