Similarities and differences between general practitioners in various socio-economic communities

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to compare demographic and practice characterisitcs, relative importance given to and time spend on prevention between general practitioners (GPs) in different socio-economic communities. Method: All GPs in the province of Limburg were contacted at meetings of their local professional organisations and asked to fill out the questionnaire(response rate = 48,8%). Results: Results indicate that GPs in different communities are similar on demographic and most practice characteristics. However, they are significantly different regarding type of practice, importance attached to and time spend on prevention. Conclusion: The differences noted should be taken into account when planning interventions to augment GPs participation in preventive health care.