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Quality of Life Research
Published in: Quality of Life Research 9/2007

Open Access 01-11-2007

Demographic characteristics and quality of life of patients with unexplained complaints: a descriptive study in general practice

Authors: Hèlen Koch, Marloes A. van Bokhoven, Gerben ter Riet, Trudy van der Weijden, Geert Jan Dinant, Patrick J. E. Bindels

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 9/2007

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Abstract

Objective

About 13% of GPs’ consultations involve unexplained complaints (UCs). These complaints can progress to chronic conditions like medically unexplained symptoms, chronic functional symptoms or somatoform disorders. Little is known about the demographic characteristics and quality of life of patients with early stage UCs. Our study objective was to describe these characteristics. Additionally we compared them with other patient groups to serve as a frame of reference.

Methods

Descriptive study in general practices. Patients with early stage UCs who had not had elaborate diagnostic investigations were included. Demographic characteristics were compared to a Dutch general practice population. Quality of life scores were measured with the RAND-36 and compared to another Dutch general practice population and to depressed patients.

Results

Data of 466 patients were available for analysis. Mean age was 44 years and 74% were females, mostly higher educated. Of the patients, 63% presented with unexplained fatigue. On average, quality of life was poor (mean RAND-36 domain scores 37–73), also in comparison with other groups.

Conclusion

General practice patients presenting with UCs have a remarkably poor quality of life. Future research should explore how early identification of patients at risk of developing chronicity can take place. Awareness of potential poor quality of life may influence GPs' medical decision making.
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Metadata
Title
Demographic characteristics and quality of life of patients with unexplained complaints: a descriptive study in general practice
Authors
Hèlen Koch
Marloes A. van Bokhoven
Gerben ter Riet
Trudy van der Weijden
Geert Jan Dinant
Patrick J. E. Bindels
Publication date
01-11-2007
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Quality of Life Research / Issue 9/2007
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-007-9252-y

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