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Considerations and experiences with healthcare-seeking during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Denmark
Isabella Raasthøj Holst1, Lisa Maria Sele Sætre1, Gitte Bruun Lauridsen1
1The Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark.
Insights
During the COVID-19 lockdown, many Danes worried about burdening healthcare or infection when contacting their GP. Most people did not change their healthcare-seeking behavior after the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- General Practice
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The first COVID-19 lockdown significantly impacted healthcare access and patient-provider interactions.
- Understanding patient considerations and experiences with general practice (GP) during this period is crucial for future public health planning.
- Socioeconomic factors and demographics may influence healthcare-seeking behaviors during health crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine considerations and experiences of Danish citizens regarding GP contact during the initial COVID-19 lockdown.
- To analyze associations between these experiences and demographic/socioeconomic factors.
- To explore changes in healthcare-seeking behavior following the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey was distributed to 100,000 Danes aged 20 years and older.
- Data collected in spring 2022 included self-reported healthcare-seeking experiences and were linked to socioeconomic register data.
- Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were employed for analysis.
Main Results:
- 18% of respondents needed to contact their GP; primary concerns were burdening the system (45%), unclear contact reasons (33%), and infection risk (24%).
- While 44% found digital solutions advantageous, many reported difficulties discussing symptoms via telehealth (29%) and perceived less thorough examinations.
- Women, younger individuals, and those with lower socioeconomic status were more likely to report concerns and difficulties with GP contact.
Conclusions:
- Findings can inform healthcare organization strategies for future lockdowns.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a minimal long-term impact on the general population's healthcare-seeking behavior in Denmark.
- Addressing patient concerns regarding healthcare burden, access, and digital communication is vital for maintaining primary care during public health emergencies.
Aim:
To (1) examine considerations before and experiences with GP contact during the first COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown among Danish citizens; (2) analyse the associations with sex, age, chronic disease, and socioeconomic factors; and (3) explore changes in healthcare-seeking behaviour post-pandemic.
Method:
A total of 100,000 Danes aged 20 years or older, randomly selected in the general population, were invited to participate in a survey examining considerations and experiences with healthcare seeking during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Data were collected in spring 2022 and linked to register data on socioeconomic factors. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were applied.
Results:
Of the 27,369 eligible individuals, 18% reported a need to contact their GP. Being worried about burdening the healthcare system was most frequently reported (45%), followed by being in doubt about acceptable contact reasons (33%), and concern about infection (24%). Although 44% of those who needed to contact their GP found the digital solutions advantageous, individuals frequently found it difficult to discuss symptoms by telehealth (29%) and that they were examined less thoroughly. Generally, women, younger people, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status were more likely to be worried and report difficulties with contact to general practice. Some 86% of the respondents reported no changes in healthcare-seeking behaviour post-pandemic.
Conclusion:
The results may assist in the organisation of healthcare in case of future lockdowns. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic has only slightly affected the healthcare-seeking behaviour in the Danish general population.
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