Access to a regular primary care physician among young people with early psychosis in Ontario, Canada

• DOI: 10.1111/eip.13487
• Publication Date: 2023-12-01T03:40:17Z
• Authors: Rebecca Rodrigues; Jennifer N. S. Reid; Joshua C. Wiener; Suzanne Archie; Richard G. Booth; Chiachen Cheng; Arlene G. MacDougall; Lena Palaniyappan; Bridget L. Ryan; Aristotle Voineskos; Paul Kurdyak; Saadia Hameed Jan; Kelly K. Anderson
• Keywords: Primary care physician

Abstract Aim Access to a primary care physician in early psychosis facilitates help‐seeking and engagement with psychiatric treatment. We examined access regular people psychosis, compared the general population, explored factors associated access. Methods Using linked health administrative data from Ontario (Canada), we identified aged 14–35 years first diagnosis of nonaffective psychotic disorder ( n = 39 449; 2005–2015). matched cases four randomly selected population controls based on age, sex, neighbourhood, index date 157 796). used modified Poisson regression estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for year prior disorder, sociodemographic clinical Results A larger proportion had physician, relative (89% vs. 68%; PR 1.30, 95%CI 1.30–1.31). However, this was accounted by higher comorbidities among association no longer present after adjustment (PR 0.97, 0.98). People who were older, male, refugees those residing lower income or high residential instability neighbourhoods less likely have physician. Conclusion Approximately one ten young lack Strategies improve are needed management physical ensure continuity care.