Longitudinal cohort study describing persistent frequent attenders in Australian primary healthcare

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe patterns of frequent attendance in Australian primary care, and identify the prospective risk factors for persistent frequent attendance. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This study draws on data from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Project, a representative community cohort study of residents from the Canberra region of Australia. Participants were assessed on 3 occasions over 8 years. The survey assessed respondents' experience of chronic physical conditions, self-reported health, symptoms of common mental disorders, personality, life events, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported medication use. A balanced sample was used in analys..