چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background:Further research on effective interventions for patients with peristent Medically Unexplained Physical
Symptoms (MUPS) in general practice is needed. Prevalence estimates of such patients are conflicting, and other
descriptive knowledge is needed for development and evaluation of effective future interventions. In this study,
we aimed to estimate the consultation prevalence of patients with persistent MUPS in general practice, including
patients’ characteristics and symptom pattern, employment status and use of social benefits, and the general
practitioners’ (GPs) management strategy.
Method:During a four-week period the participating Norwegian GPs (n = 84) registered all consultations with
patients who met a strict definition of MUPS (>3 months duration and function loss), using a questionnaire with
simple tick-off questions. Analyses were performed with descriptive statistics for all variables and split analysis on
gender and age.
Results:The GPs registered 526 patients among their total of 17 688 consultations, giving a consultation
prevalence of persistent MUPS of 3%. The mean age of patients was 46 years, and 399 (76%) were women. The
most frequent group of symptoms was musculoskeletal problems, followed by asthenia/fatigue. There was no
significant gender difference in symptom pattern. Almost half of the patients were currently working (45%),
significantly more men. The major GP management strategy was supportive counseling.
Conclusion:A consultation prevalence rate of 3% implies that patients with persistent MUPS are common in
general practice. Our study disclosed heterogeneity among the patients such as differences in employment status,
which emphasizes the importance of personalized focus rather than unsubstantiated stereotyping of“MUPS
patients” as a group.