Response rate and characteristics of responding GPs in 1997, 2000 and 2007
| Characteristics | 1997 (n = 511) | 2000 (n = 747) | 2007 (n = 646) |
| Response rate (%) | 64 | 53 | 40 |
| Sex, men (n (%)) | 361 (72) | 477 (65) | 366 (58)*,† |
| Mean years in practice (SD) | 17 (11) | 17 (10) | 21 (12)*,† |
| Mean number of patients per week (SD) | 135 (55) | 130 (60) | 118 (70)*,† |
| Mean number of hours worked each week (SD) | N/A | N/A | 37 (15) |
| Area (n (%)) | |||
| Rural | 233 (46) | 193 (26) | 141 (22)† |
| Urban | 277 (54) | 554 (74) | 505 (78) |
GP, general practitioner.
*Difference (p<0.05) between 2007 and 2000.
†Difference (p<0.05) between 2007 and 1997.