Ethnic Differences in Internal Medicine Referrals in the Netherlands
Author Information
Author(s): Lanting Loes C, Bootsma Aart H, Lamberts Steven WJ, Mackenbach Johan P, Joung Inez MA
Primary Institution: Erasmus MC, Department of Public Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Are there differences between ethnic groups in the use of outpatient health services?
Conclusion
The study found significant ethnic differences in the use of outpatient care, with first-generation immigrants utilizing services more than native Dutch individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- All ethnic minority groups in Rotterdam make significantly more use of the outpatient clinic than native Dutch people.
- Immigrant patients are more likely to be referred for gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Ethnic minorities were more frequently diagnosed with liver diseases.
Takeaway
Different ethnic groups use health care services in different ways, and immigrants often go to the doctor more than native Dutch people.
Methodology
The study used an open cohort design, registering ethnicity, sex, age, referral reasons, diagnosis, and living area of new patients visiting an outpatient clinic for one year.
Potential Biases
Ethnicity was based on countries of birth, which may not capture variations within immigrant groups.
Limitations
The study had small numbers for some ethnic groups, especially second-generation immigrants, limiting the ability to analyze differences separately.
Participant Demographics
Participants included Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan, Antillean/Aruban, Cape Verdean, and Dutch individuals, with a mean age of 44.4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
1.29–2.56
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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