Effects sizes of the six latent factors on low prescribing
| Univariate OR (95% CI) | P-value | Multivariable aOR (95% CI)a | P-value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Factor 1: Medical knowledge and clinical competency | 2.5 (2.0 to 3.3) | <0.01 | 3.2 (2.4 to 4.3) | <0.01 |
| Factor 2: Conservative practice (giving antibiotics ‘to be on the safe side’) | 0.8 (0.6 to 0.9) | 0.01 | 0.7 (0.5 to 0.9) | <0.01 |
| Factor 3: GPs’ perceived patient expectations | 1.1 (0.9 to 1.4) | 0.21 | – | – |
| Factor 4: Good clinical practice | 2.1 (1.7 to 2.7) | <0.01 | 2.7 (2.0 to 3.6) | <0.01 |
| Factor 5: Availability of diagnostic tests | 1.4 (1.1 to 1.7) | <0.01 | 1.4 (1.1 to 1.8) | <0.01 |
| Factor 6: Desire to improve clinical practice | 1.4 (1.2 to 1.7) | <0.01 | 1.5 (1.2 to 1.9) | <0.01 |
aOR = adjusted odds ratio.
↵a Adjusted for practice type.