Drug and alcohol related health problems in primary care--what do GPs think?

To examine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of general practitioners (GPs) in the field of drug and alcohol related health problems.

A cross-sectional survey in which self-completion postal questionnaires were sent to all identifiable GPs in the Adelaide metropolitan area. Non-responders received a reminder letter and second questionnaire.

The target population was doctors whose principal activity was general practice, or who were in training for general practice.

Demographic and "practice characteristic" information on participants. Measures of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding alcohol consumption, smoking and over the counter medication.

The response rate was 59.8%. More responders than non-responders were affiliated with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Alcohol consumption was perceived to be a more difficult issue than smoking to raise during consultations. GPs indicated that significant proportions of their patients were participating in hazardous drinking (mean estimate was 13.8% of patients), but only a third of respondents believed their effort in changing alcohol related behaviour would be effective. Sixty-one per cent of respondents identified hazardous daily levels of alcohol consumption for men consistent with National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines. In the case of women this figure was 42%. Longer reported appointment times were associated with greater reported levels of enquiry about alcohol consumption.

New developments in medical training and systems of payment in general practice need to address both the pessimistic attitude of GPs in dealing with drug and alcohol related health problems, and apparent inconsistencies in defining hazardous alcohol consumption.