The impact of multiple predictors on generalist physicians' care of underserved populations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relative and incremental importance of multiple predictors of generalist physicians' care of underserved populations. METHODS: Survey results from a 1993 national random sample of 2955 allopathic and osteopathic generalist physicians who graduated from medical school in 1983 or 1984 were analyzed. RESULTS: Four independent predictors of providing care to underserved populations were (1) being a member of an underserved ethnic/minority group, (2) having participated in the National Health Service Corps, (3) having a strong interest in practicing in an underserved area prior to attending medical school, and (4) growing up in an underserved area. Eighty-six percent of physicians with all 4 predictors were providing substantial care to underserved populations, compared with 65% with 3 predictors, 49% with 2 predictors, 34% with 1 predictor, and 22% with no predictors. Sex, family income when growing up, and curricular exposure to underserved populations during medical schoo...