[Potentially marginalized 20-44-years-olds in general practice. Who are they? The results of a questionnaire...

The study presents the results of a questionnaire screening of 20-44-year-old patients as introduction to a preventive intervention study in general practice. The purpose was to identify those with most problems or lack of resources and unhealthy lifestyle.

In a cross-sectional study of the 20-44-year-old patients at 27 general practitioners, 2056 completed a questionnaire about resources, lifestyle, and family situation. The 30% with seven or more problems out of 33 possible (n = 625) were offered randomisation with a view to intervention. The answers are described and analysed comparing the two groups by OR and logistic regression.

The four most important answers to find persons with more than seven problems were in women: difficulties in finding solutions, lack of security, not good self rated health, and difficulties in handling children. In men the most important answers were: lack of security, no confidant in the family, feeling extremely stressed, and lack of exercise. A little more than two thirds of the persons with many problems could be found among those with problems in two out of the four questions.

Important characteristics among the 30% with most problems or lack of resources were low self-esteem, personal strain, and lack of security. These uncovered basic needs are considered essential barriers to health promoting self-care behaviour. By focusing on this, general practice might contribute to bridge the gap between the healthy and unhealthy.