Abstract
BackgroundGP consultation rates for influenza-like illness (ILI) are poorly known in France and there is a paucity of literature on this topic. In the few articles that have been published, the results are heterogeneous.AimThe aim of the present study was to estimate the proportion of ILI inducing a GP consultation, and to assess its determinants.Design & settingParticipants of a French web-based cohort study who reported ≥1 ILI episode between 2012 and 2015 were included. Sociodemographic characteristics, access to health care, and health status variables were collected.MethodHealthcare-seeking behaviour was analysed and factors associated with a GP consultation identified using a conditional logistic regression.ResultsOf the 6023 ILI episodes reported, 1961 (32.6%) led to a GP consultation, with no difference between those at risk of influenza complications and those not (P = 0.42). A GP consultation was more frequent for individuals living in a rural area (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.43); those with a lower educational level (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.74); those using the internet to find information about influenza (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.30 to 2.03); patients presenting with worrying symptoms (fever, cough, dyspnoea, sputum, or asthenia); patients having a negative perception of their own health status (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.13; and those having declared a personal doctor (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.72 to 4.76). A GP consultation was less frequent for individuals using alternative medicine (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.78).ConclusionThis study allows the identification of specific factors associated with GP consultation for an ILI episode. These findings may help to coordinate health information campaigns and to raise awareness, especially among individuals at risk of influenza complications.
Highlights
A GP consultation was more frequent for individuals living in a rural area; those with a lower educational level (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.74); those using the internet to find information about influenza (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.30 to 2.03); patients presenting with worrying symptoms; patients having a negative perception of their own health status (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.13; and those having declared a personal doctor (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.72 to 4.76)
A GP consultation was less frequent for individuals using alternative medicine (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.78)
This study allows the identification of specific factors associated with GP consultation for an ILI episode
Summary
Each year in France, between 700 000 and 4.8 million individuals consult their GP for ILI, representing 1–8% of the French population.[1,2] recovery is generally rapid, influenza can cause serious complications, especially in those aged >65 years old, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, or obesity.[3,4] Mortality due to influenza during seasonal epidemics is estimated in France to be 1620–11 400 deaths per year,[5] and in the world 250 000–500 000 deaths per year.[6]Influenza epidemiological surveillance is traditionally carried out by health professionals, organised in national networks (such as the French Sentinelles network[7] or the Italian Influenza Surveillance network8), and brought together under the coordination of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).[9]. Each year in France, between 700 000 and 4.8 million individuals consult their GP for ILI, representing 1–8% of the French population.[1,2] recovery is generally rapid, influenza can cause serious complications, especially in those aged >65 years old, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, or obesity.[3,4] Mortality due to influenza during seasonal epidemics is estimated in France to be 1620–11 400 deaths per year,[5] and in the world 250 000–500 000 deaths per year.[6]. Neuraminidase inhibitor treatment is recommended as soon as possible by French public health authorities,[19] as in most other countries,[20,21] for patients with ILI who: a) are at risk of influenza complications (defined as patients with 1 of the following characteristics: age 65 years, underlying chronic disease, obesity [defined as BMI 40 kg/m2], or pregnancy); b) are hospitalised; or c) have severe, complicated, or progressive illness.
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