[The demand for health services: a geographic analysis in Quebec].

Nearly one quarter of the people surveyed in Quebec have seen a health professional during the two previous weeks. One third of these visits have been to GPs. Females have paid more visits than males, widows more than married people, the elderly more than the young. Moreover, two groups have had a higher demand: the poor, wherever they are, and the rich in the big cities and metropolitan areas. When grouped into homogeneous areas, the growth of demand is correlated with available services and perceived illness or ailments. When a group increases its demand for services, which are nearly free of charge, the consumption level of the group goes beyond need, and the availability of services becomes increasingly the main determinant.