Table 1 main patient characteristics at the GP services and the ED

Gender (% men)

289/638 (45.3%)

492/968 (50.8%)

Mean age

35.7 years, SD 45.9

32.2 years, SD 23.3

Registered with a GP (% yes)

584/638 (91.5%)

754/967 (78.0%)

Used ED at least once during past 12 months (% yes)

185/634 29.1%)

379/960 (39.5%)

Employed (% yes)

354/622 (56.9%)

487/955 (51.0%)

First language Dutch or French (both national Belgian languages) (% yes)

580/639 (90.8%)

747/968 (77.2%)

Nationality:

   - Belgian

526/640 (82.2%)

642/968 (66.3%)

   - African

20/640 (3.1%)

129/968 (13.3%)

   - Other

94/640 (14.7%)

197/968 (20.4%)