| Summary: | Introduction: Doctor-shopping refers to the changing of doctor without
professional referral in a single episode of illness. It leads to some health risk
and social problems.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of doctorshopping
behaviour amongst adult patients attending Family Medicine Clinic
(FMC) Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).
Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted on 442 adult patients
aged 18 years and above. It was conducted as face to face interview using
questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS version 11.
Results: Fifty-six percents of these patients met our criteria for doctor-shopping
patients. Most of the patients went to general practitioners for consultation prior
to FMC visit. One-fifth of the respondents went for alternative treatment for the
current illness episode. The main reason for changing doctors was due to no
improvement of the illness. Doctor-shopping behaviour was found to be
significantly associated with older age group and employed patients. Doctorshopping
patients were found to be high among married people, females and
patients with low education level, but the associations were not significant. The
significant associated factors of doctor-shopping behaviour were chronic duration
of illness, and advice to seek treatment from somebody.
Conclusion: Prevalence of doctor-shopping behaviour amongst adult patients
attending FMC was high. It is important to recognise and anticipate problems
related to doctor-shopping behaviour. We need to emphasise on the importance
of a good doctor-patient relationship, and give accurate explanation and health
education to maintain a proper continuity of care.
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