Demographic characteristics and primary health care utilization patterns of strictly orthodox Jewish and non-Jewish patients

Background. The importance of providing health care services that are accep table to different cultural groups is widely acknowledged. Strictly orthodo x Jewish communities have particular health care needs that reflect their r eligious teaching and beliefs. Objective. To describe the demographic characteristics and health care usag e patterns of the strictly orthodox Jewish population of Gateshead. Methods;. Registration and claims data were used in combination with encoun ter data from computerized and manual practice records. Jewish patients wer e identified and comparisons made between Jewish and non-Jewish populations registered at the same practices. Results. The orthodox Jewish population was predominantly young (69% aged u nder 20). The birth rate in orthodox Jewish women aged 20-44 was much highe r (294 per 1000) than non-Jewish women. Rates of uptake of cervical screeni ng and childhood immunizations were significantly lower in the orthodox Jew ish population. Uptake of breast screening and attendance at diabetic clini cs did not differ significantly. The average number of consultations and ho me visits per annum was higher in Jewish than in non-Jewish patients. Conclusions. The demographic and health care utilization patterns of orthod ox Jewish and non-Jewish patients in Gateshead are different. There are imp lications for the provision of primary care services, particularly with reg ard to preventative health care.