Someone to talk to? The role of loneliness as a factor in the frequency ofGP consultations

Background. There are many reasons why people frequently consult their gene ral practitioner (GP). Although loneliness is increasingly recognized as a problem affecting wellbeing for elderly people, it has rarely been addresse d as a predictor of frequency of consultation. Aim. To examine whether loneliness is associated with rates of GP consultat ions (home and surgery visits). Method. Analysis of data collected in face-to-face interviews at the second wave of a longitudinal health survey of two adult age cohorts living in fo ur socially contrasting urban localities in Glasgow City. There were a tota l of 691 subjects: 142 males and 176 females aged 40 years at interview; an d 167 males and 206 females aged 60 years at interview. Frequency of report ed GP consultations in the past 12 months at home or in the surgery was exa mined. Results. After controlling for sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables and health, loneliness was significantly associated with frequency of cons ultation at the surgery but not with the frequency of home visits. Conclusion. Loneliness may still be underestimated as a factor related inde pendently to frequency of consultations with a GP at the surgery.