Transcultural differences in illness behaviour and clinical outcome: an underestimated aspect of general practice?

Abstract

Background: Our aim was to assess international differences in illness behaviour and clinical outcome for patients in Europe with an episode of acute tonsillitis.

Methods: The subjects were 2423 patients from seven countries whose acute tonsillitis was treated with antibiotics. Each country selected at least 10 GPs who filled in a questionnaire for each episode of acute tonsillitis treated during a 3-month period, November 1989-May 1990. The outcome measure was the number of days of illness. Backwards multiple regression analysis with predictors (age, sex, country, initial temperature, days prior to illness) was performed.

Results: The number of days of illness of patients with an episode of acute tonsillitis varied between the European countries, from 3 to 10 days. Country was the most important predictor, whereas disease-specific and patients' characteristics were not important predictors.

Conclusions: Duration of illness was primarily influenced by country. The countries in Eastern Europe especially were characterized by a longer duration of illness. Transcultural differences may influence the duration of illness and need more attention in daily practice.