Cognitions associated with initial medical consultations concerning recurrent breathing difficulties: A community-based study

Abstract

A two-stage community survey identified 568 respondents reporting recurrent breathing difficulties over a one-year period. Subsequent interviews allowed comparison of (i) 21 respondents who had never consulted a doctor about frequent wheezing (i.e., on more than 30 days) or serious breathing difficulties (i.e., disrupting everyday activities) over the past year with (ii) a randomly selected group of 22 who had seen their doctor concerning breathing difficulties in the past year. These groups were found to be similar with respect to demographic and lung function measures. An extended health belief model framework including causal attributions for breathing difficulties and consulting self-efficacy was used to explore cognitions which might distinguish between the two groups. Logistic regression suggested that lower perceived relative severity of symptoms (in relation to other problems). attribution of wheezing to smoking and lower self-efficacy in relation to explaining breathing difficulties to a doctor distinguished between those who did and did not consult. Health education implications. including initiatives to encourage medical help-seeking amongst those with recurrent, frequent or serious breathing difficulties are discussed.