Patients with Sore Throat: A Survey of Self-Management and Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in 13 Countries Worldwide

Alike W van der Velden,1 Aurelio Sessa,2 Attila Altiner,3 Antonio Carlos Campos Pignatari,4 Adrian Shephard5 1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; 2Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Florence, Italy; 3Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany; 4Paulista School of Medicine (EPM), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; 5Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Ltd, Slough, UKCorrespondence: Alike W van der VeldenJulius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, STR 6.103, P.O. Box 85500, Utrecht, GA 3508, The NetherlandsEmail A.W.vanderVelden@umcutrecht.nlBackground: Acute sore throat is one of the most common problems for which patients consult their general practitioner and is a key area for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The objective of this study was to investigate patients’ attitudes related to healthcare-seeking behavior and self-management of sore throat.Methods: We conducted an observational, questionnaire-based study across 13 countries (Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, the UK and the USA) on respondents who reported having had a sore throat in the previous 12 months. Data were collected on their experiences, contact with healthcare professionals, treatment practices and opinions about antibiotics.Results: A total of 5196 respondents (approximately 400 per country) completed the survey. Over 80% of respondents sought advice for a sore throat, with 30% consulting a general practitioner. The desire to limit the worsening of symptoms was the main reason for seeking treatment. Other reasons concerned resolving persistent symptoms and reducing the impact on daily life/sleep. Self-management for sore throat was mainly medicated sore throat remedies. “W