Table 2 Discriminant beliefs that distinguish between GPs who do (intenders) and do not intend (non-intenders) to prescribe antibiotics for patients with uncomplicated sore throat.

   Prescribing an antibiotic for these patients will reduce their risk of developing minor complications such as otitis media and sinusitis

   Prescribing an antibiotic for these patients is cost efficient

   Prescribing an antibiotic for these patients will reduce the time taken for their sore throat to resolve

Outcome evaluation

   The problems of antibiotic resistance for these patients does not concern me greatly

Control beliefs

   If a patient asks for an antibiotic, then I will prescribe one whether it is medically indicated or not

   I am more inclined to prescribe an antibiotic for patients of a lower social class

   Because I don't know the cause of these patients' sore throats, I will prescribe an antibiotic so that I don't miss something

   In most cases, the patient will finish the course of antibiotics I prescribe