Attitudes toward health in social networks: their influence on physician utilization

Many variables contribute to medical consumption. This study concentrates on those that can relate to health education, namely, (1) attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions concerning health and medical care and (2) the influence of the patient's social network on medical consumption. Both complexes appear to influence the number of physician visits by three selected groups of patients. Emotional components are more influential than cognitive ones. Support from the social network appears to reinforce rather than replace professional help. The question is how health educators can adjust strategies to these findings.