Table 2 Unvoiced concerns during a consultation with the GP due to embarrassment, modesty or a fear of being judged
All (N = 2104) | |
|---|---|
Participants who have, at any time, failed to address topics with the GP | 680/2104 (32) |
Issues not addressed because of embarrassment, modesty or fear of being judged | |
– Psychological disorders, low mood, anxiety | 291/2104 (14) |
– Sexual behavior, libido, perception of your gender, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness | 316/2104 (15) |
– Urological or digestive problems | 194/2104 (9) |
– Sexually transmitted infections, extra-marital relations | 61/2104 (3) |
– Alcohol consumption | 55/2104 (3) |
– Drug use | 21/2104 (1) |
– Smoking | 33/2104 (2) |
– Violence, abuse, harrassment | 52/2104 (2) |
– Eating disorders, body image | 132/2104 (6) |
– End-of-life, serious diagnosis, advance directives | 14/2104 (1) |
– Alternative medicine | 51/2104 (2) |
– Conflict with employer or other, work-related problems | 60/2104 (3) |
– Pain and chronic problems, fear of hypochondria | 8/2104 (0.4) |
– Affection evoking lack of hygiene | 3/2104 (0.1) |
Participants would feel more at ease discussing intimate or embarrassing topics with | |
– A GP you have known for a long time | 766/2075 (37) |
– A GP you don’t know well, or will probably never see again | 504/2075 (24) |
– No preference | 805/2075 (39) |
Participants who reported taking advantage of the presence of a locum, or consulting another GP to discuss embarrassing issues | 388/2104 (18) |
Obstacles to addressing embarrassing issues | |
– Presence of a student during the consultation | 903/2104 (43) |
– Presence of a family member during the consultation | 1449/2104 (69) |
– The GP’s waiting room was full | 364/2104 (17) |
– The GP is behind schedule | 508/2104 (24) |
– None of the above | 347/2104 (16) |
Participant would feel more at ease if the GP reminded about confidentiality | 989/2104 (47) |
Participant would feel more at ease discussing these issues if the GP raised them first | 1638/2104 (79) |