BackgroundLimited evidence exists regarding the relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Australian patients from primary care. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of health literacy on HRQoL in a large sample of patients without known vascular disease or diabetes and to examine whether the difference in HRQoL between low and high health literacy groups was clinically significant.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of baseline data from a cluster randomised trial. The study included 739 patients from 30 general practices across four Australian states conducted in 2012 and 2013 using the standard Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) version 2. SF-12 physical component score (PCS-12) and mental component score (MCS-12) are derived using the standard US algorithm. Health literacy was measured using the Health Literacy Management Scale (HeLMS). Multilevel regression analysis (patients at level 1 and general practices at level 2) was applied to relate PCS-12 and MCS-12 to patient reported life style risk behaviours including health literacy and demographic factors.ResultsLow health literacy patients were more likely to be smokers (12 % vs 6 %, P = 0.005), do insufficient physical activity (63 % vs 47 %, P < 0.001), be overweight (68 % vs 52 %, P < 0.001), and have lower physical health and lower mental health with large clinically significant effect sizes of 0.56 (B (regression coefficient) = −5.4, P < 0.001) and 0.78(B = -6.4, P < 0.001) respectively after adjustment for confounding factors. Patients with insufficient physical activity were likely to have a lower physical health score (effect size = 0.42, B = −3.1, P < 0.001) and lower mental health (effect size = 0.37, B = −2.6, P < 0.001). Being overweight tended to be related to a lower PCS-12 (effect size = 0.41, B = −1.8, P < 0.05). Less well-educated, unemployed and smoking patients with low health literacy reported worse physical health. Health literacy accounted for 45 and 70 % of the total between patient variance explained in PCS-12 and MCS-12 respectively.ConclusionsAddressing health literacy related barriers to preventive care may help reduce some of the disparities in HRQoL. Recognising and tailoring health related communication to those with low health literacy may improve health outcomes including HRQoL in general practice.

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The prevalence of people seeking care for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in primary care is four to five times higher than in the general population. Therefore, general practitioners (GPs) are important sources of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care for these patients, as well as important providers of early intervention and long-term management for mental health and associated comorbidities. A thematic analysis of two focus groups with 12 GPs in South Australia (in discussion with 10 academic, clinical, and lived experience stakeholders) highlighted many challenges faced by GPs providing care to patients with BPD. Major themes were: (1) Challenges Surrounding Diagnosis of BPD; (2) Comorbidities and Clinical Complexity; (3) Difficulties with Patient Behaviour and the GP–Patient Relationship; and (4) Finding and Navigating Systems for Support. Health service pathways for this high-risk/high-need patient group are dependent on the quality of care that GPs provide, which is dependent on GPs’ capacity to identify and understand BPD. GPs also need to be supported sufficiently in order to develop the skills that are necessary to provide effective care for BPD patients. Systemic barriers and healthcare policy, to the extent that they dictate the organisation of primary care, are prominent structural factors obstructing GPs’ attempts to address multiple comorbidities for patients with BPD. Several strategies are suggested to support GPs supporting patients with BPD.

Objective To examine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of general practitioners (GPs) in the field of drug and alcohol related health problems. Design A cross‐sectional survey in which self‐completion postal questionnaires were sent to all identifiable GPs in the Adelaide metropolitan area. Non‐responders received a reminder letter and second questionnaire. Setting, participants The target population was doctors whose principal activity was general practice, or who were in training for general practice. Main outcome measures Demographic and “practice characteristic” information on participants. Measures of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding alcohol consumption, smoking and over the counter medication. Results The response rate was 59.8%. More responders than non‐responders were affiliated with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Alcohol consumption was perceived to be a more difficult issue than smoking to raise during consultations. GPs indicated that significant proportions of their patients were participating in hazardous drinking (mean estimate was 13.8% of patients), but only a third of respondents believed their effort in changing alcohol related behaviour would be effective. Sixty‐ one per cent of respondents identified hazardous daily levels of alcohol consumption for men consistent with National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines. In the case of women this figure was 42%. Longer reported appointment times were associated with greater reported levels of enquiry about alcohol consumption. Conclusions New developments in medical training and systems of payment in general practice need to address both the pessimistic attitude of GPs in dealing with drug and alcohol related health problems, and apparent inconsistencies in defining hazardous alcohol consumption.

Tobacco use will become the world's foremost cause of premature death and disability within 20 years unless current trends are reversed. Many opportunities to reduce this epidemic are missed in primary care. This Discussion paper from the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) -which reflects the IPCRG's understanding of primary care practitioners' needs -summarises a new approach based on strong evidence for effective interventions.All primary care health professionals can increase smoking cessation rates among their patients, even when time and resources are limited. Medical and non-medical staff can support patients who choose to quit by providing information, referral to telephone counselling services, and behavioural counselling using motivational interviewing techniques, where resources permit. Drug therapy to manage nicotine dependence can significantly improve patients' chances of quitting successfully, and is recommended for people who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day. All interventions should be tailored to the individual's circumstances and attitudes.