Family Physicians vs Other Specialists: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Patients’ Preferences and Factors Influencing Physician Choice in Pakistan

Objective: This study aims to investigate patients’ knowledge and attitude towards Family Physicians (FPs) and factors influencing their choice of physicians. Methodology: This cross-sectional study recruited participants through snowball sampling between September 2023 and March 2024. Participants’ demographics, awareness of the role of FPs, and choice of physician for different health conditions were collected. Descriptive analysis, one-way ANOVA and T-test were applied. A significance of p < 0.05 was set for all evaluations. Results: 341 participants were included with a median age of 26 years. 184 (54%) respondents knew about the qualifications of a FP. For most health conditions, the majority preferred to consult other healthcare workers instead of FPs, with 19% choosing to consult FPs for chronic illnesses. Participants over 26 years had a significantly higher mean frequency (4.1 ± 2.64) of selecting FPs for health conditions as compared to those below 26 years (3.1 ± 2.42, p < 0.001). Among participants who preferred a FP, convenient location (74%) and easier appointment (72%) were common factors influencing their choice. Conclusion: There is a significant gap in awareness and preference for FPs. To increase the utilization of FM services, public initiatives should aim to improve health literacy regarding the role of FPs and improve access to FM services by strengthening primary care.