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The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners logoLink to The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
. 1987 May;37(298):205–206.

Sociocultural differences in patients' expectations at consultations for upper respiratory tract infection

SJ Gillam
PMCID: PMC1710800  PMID: 3694587

Abstract

Among 214 patients consulting their general practitioner with upper respiratory tract infection, differences in expectation were apparent between Whites, Afro-Caribbeans and Asians. Significantly more Asians (84%) wanted prescriptions for antibiotics and/or other medication than did Afro-Caribbeans (72%) or Whites (47%) (P<O.001). There were no significant differences in terms of what was received but Asians tended to be dissatisfied with the outcome of the consultation. Self-medication before consultation was attempted by 82% of patients; 48% took two or more preparations. Afro-Caribbeans had taken significantly more preparations per person than other groups (P<0.05). Sociocultural factors may influence patients' expectations at consultations for upper respiratory tract infection.

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Selected References

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