Somatic symptom disorders and utilization of health services among
Palestinian primary health care attendees: a cross sectional study
Abstract
Rationale, aims and objectives: A considerable amount of primary health
care (PHC) clients comes in with medically unexplained complaints,
leading to frequent consultations and high usage of services and health
care costs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of somatic
symptom disorder among PHC attendees and to explore its relation with
other mental disorders and risk factors. Methods: A cross sectional
design was used to interview 400 attendees at five PHC centers in Nablus
district, during Sept to Dec, 2019. Men and women age over 18 years old,
without psychiatric diagnosis were invited to participate in the study.
The Somatization scale of the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire was
used to assess somatic symptom disorders. It is a valid tool to be used
in PHC setting. Chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression
were used to explore determinant variables. Results: A high prevalence
of somatic symptom disorder was seen in the sample [32.5% (95%CI=
27.9%-37.1%)]. The most prevalent symptoms were painful muscles
(61.5%) followed by back pain (52.3%). Somatic symptom disorder was
found to be associated with: Female gender [P =0.015 adjusted OR = 2.2
(95% CI= 1.3-4)], chronic diseases [P =0.027 adjusted OR = 2
(95%CI=1.1-3.6)], depression [P <0.001 adjusted OR = 3.2
(95%CI= 2.0-5.3)], and anxiety [P=0.032 adjusted OR = 3.0 (95%CI=
1.6-5.5)]. Additionally, attendees with high somatization were found
to have significantly higher frequency of doctors visit [P=0.005
adjusted OR = 2.2 (95%CI= 1.3-4.0)] Conclusions: The prevalence of
somatization among PHC attendees in Palestine is high. It is
significantly higher among females, patients with chronic diseases,
clients with anxiety and depressive disorders and patients with frequent
doctors’ visits. Painful muscles and back pain are the most common
symptom presented by patients, and this could be used initially by PHC
physicians as a signal to consider for screening.