Who uses telephone based helplines? relating deprivation indices to users of NHS Direct

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the impact of individual indices of deprivation on the uptake of NHS Direct.Significant main effects were found for all deprivation×gender×age and gender×age interactions for each of the deprivation indices (p<.001) alongside deprivation×gender for health and disability deprivation across all months. Interactions for deprivation×gender relating to education and employment were found to be non-significant.Call rates increased with levels of deprivation at or above the national average, remaining consistent when accounting for employment, income and education deprivation. Further research should explore the underlying factors that contribute to low utilisation to shape future targeted promotional campaigns.