RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Someone to talk to? The role of loneliness as a factor in the frequency of GP consultations. JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP 363 OP 367 VO 49 IS 442 A1 A Ellaway A1 S Wood A1 S Macintyre YR 1999 UL http://bjgp.org/content/49/442/363.abstract AB BACKGROUND: There are many reasons why people frequently consult their general practitioner (GP). Although loneliness is increasingly recognized as a problem affecting well-being for elderly people, it has rarely been addressed as a predictor of frequency of consultation. AIM: To examine whether loneliness is associated with rates of GP consultations (home and surgery visits). METHOD: Analysis of data collected in face-to-face interviews at the second wave of a longitudinal health survey of two adult age cohorts living in four socially contrasting urban localities in Glasgow City. There were a total of 691 subjects: 142 males and 176 females aged 40 years at interview; and 167 males and 206 females aged 60 years at interview. Frequency of reported GP consultations in the past 12 months at home or in the surgery was examined. RESULTS: After controlling for sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables and health, loneliness was significantly associated with frequency of consultation at the surgery but not with the frequency of home visits. CONCLUSION: Loneliness may still be underestimated as a factor related independently to frequency of consultations with a GP at the surgery.