Determinants of health check attendance in adults: findings from the cross-sectional German Health Update (GEDA) study

BMC Public Health. 2014 Sep 4:14:913. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-913.

Abstract

Background: In Germany, adult health checks are carried out in the primary care setting for early detection of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney disease. This study aims to examine the social, behavioural, and health-related determinants of health check attendance among eligible adults in Germany.

Methods: Data were derived from the cross-sectional German Health Update (GEDA) study, a national health survey among adults in Germany carried out by the Robert Koch Institute. Analyses were restricted to respondents with statutory health insurance aged 35 years or older (n = 26,555). Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate associations between health check attendance and factors selected on the basis of Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use.

Results: After mutual adjustment, higher health check attendance was associated with a higher age, higher socioeconomic status, being married, stronger social support, physical activity, non-smoking, greater fruit and vegetable consumption, and higher use of outpatient care in both sexes. In women, higher attendance was related to alcohol consumption and having company health insurance (BKK) after multiple adjustment. In men, higher attendance was associated with better self-rated health after adjusting for all other factors.

Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that people with an unfavourable risk factor profile, such as socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, smokers, physically inactive people, and persons with a low fruit and vegetable intake, are less likely to have health checks than those with a more favourable risk profile. Health checks carried out in the primary care setting should be evaluated for their effects on population health and health inequality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet / statistics & numerical data
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Health Status*
  • Health Surveys / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marital Status / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Examination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors