Exploring perceived access to and previous experiences with general practice and associations with health literacy in...

To (1) explore perceived access to general practice, relationship with the general practitioner (GP) and previous experiences with general practice among the Danish population and (2) analyse the associations with sex, age, chronic disease and health literacy.

A cross-sectional nationwide survey study among 100,000 randomly selected adults aged 20 years or above. Questionnaire data comprised items covering the perceived access to, relationship and previous experiences with GP contacts, chronic disease and health literacy. Data were linked to register data. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were applied.

A total of 27,713 (30%) individuals were included. More than a third reported difficulties with talking to the GP secretary (35%) and with getting an appointment with their preferred doctor (44%). Some 80% reported high confidence in the GP, whereas previous negative experiences and insufficient consultation time were reported by 33% and 46%, respectively. Females and individuals with health literacy challenges in terms of being less able to actively engage with healthcare professionals were more likely to report difficulties with access to and previous negative experiences with general practice. Individuals with higher age, chronic disease(s) and health literacy challenges in terms of feeling less understood and supported, and less ability to actively engage with healthcare providers were less confident in their GP.

This study highlights difficulties related to accessing general practice and previous negative experiences among different population groups. Since some individuals are more likely to encounter these challenges, differentiating healthcare services may promote greater equity in health.