Social and economic variation in general practice consultation rates amongst men aged 16-39.

We examined socio-economic differences in consultation rates in 16-39 year old men using data collected in 1991/2 by the Fourth National Survey of Morbidity in General Practice. Mean annual consultation rates per person were 2.21 in men aged 16-24 years and 2.52 in those aged 25-39 years. In 25-39 year old men overall consultation rates were 42 per cent higher in social class IV/V than class I/II. Amongst 16-24 year olds, increasing deprivation as measured by type of housing and employment status were associated with increased consultation rates, but there was no clear association between social class and consultation rates. Amongst 25-39 year olds, increasing deprivation, as measured by social class, housing tenure or employment status, was associated with higher consultation rates for all illnesses, mental illness and injury and poisoning. In contrast, consultations for preventive health care were lower in young men in social class IV/V than class I/II and in council tenants rather than owner-occupiers. We conclude that socio-economically disadvantaged young men were more likely to consult general practice services in general and for mental illness and injury and poisoning. They received less preventive health care than more advantaged men who are at lower risk of premature mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]