FACTORS AFFECTING CHOICE OF PHYSICIANS RELATED TO LIFESTYLE DISEASES.

The relative importance that consumers attach to various factors in choosing a primary care doctor (PCD) for lifestyle related diseases were analyzed in a cross-sectional, survey. Survey participants included a heterogeneous mix of age, profession, and educational and geographical backgrounds. Participants rated the importance of the 16 items and a total of 258 responses were recorded and used for analysis.Demographic questionnaires were also administered to the participants. As per the results of the survey, participants perceived professionally relevant factors (e.g. whether the doctor is skilled and experienced), the convenience for medication (e.g. waiting time, fees structure), suggestions from chemist and appearance of the doctoras important factors. Participants’ own characteristics and demographics held little relationship with the perceived importance of doctor characteristics. Factors that theparticipants perceive as most important to their choice of a PCD are also those that have the greatest effect on the quality of healthcare that they will receive. All the choices are made based on perceived value. A better understanding of the factors that influence people’s choice of a PCD can contribute in understanding the trends for lifestyle diseases and consumer behavior attitudes towards PCD