Socio-demographic variation in perceived illness and the use of primary care: the value of community survey data for primary care service planning

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of the prevalence of self reported morbidity in the community and reports on results obtained using the Nottingham Health Profile in a population survey of morbidity. The variation between demographic and social groups and the relationship with GP are considered. The results show that certain aspects of morbidity vary according to social group more markedly than other aspects, and that some dimensions of self reported morbidity are predictive of recent consultation reported by the respondents. The interpretation of data of this sort for health planning purposes is considered. For example, the manual groups were particularly susceptible to tiredness and sleep disturbance, but these were not conditions associated with more frequent consultation. The manual groups also reported higher levels of pain and emotional distress, which were associated with propensity to consult. Other types of morbidity associated with consultation with the general practitioner were physical symptoms of pain and feelings of social isolation, but these did not show a strong class difference.