Office encounters in general practice in the Hamilton health district V: social class and ethnic group patterns among children, 0-14
Davis, P.B.
New Zealand Medical Journal 100(833): 615-617
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 3452112 Document Number: 286564
Data from a survey of office encounters in general practice in the Hamilton health district reveal a lower than average use of primary medical care by children of lower socioeconomic background. In comparison, a higher than expected level of medical contact was recorded for Maoris in this age group. Both groups, however, show a higher rate of contact for more severe symptoms. Explanation for this pattern may be sought in variations in morbidity experience and in differentials both in the response to symptoms and in access to care. The apparently lower level of primary medical contact recorded among nonMaori children in the 0-4 age group is particularly noteworthy.