Open AccessInfluences on individuals’ decisions to take up the offer of a health check: a qualitative study
Author(s) -
Burgess Caroline,
Wright Alison J.,
Forster Alice S.,
Dodhia Hiten,
Miller Jane,
Fuller Frances,
Cajeat Eric,
Gulliford Martin C.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
health expectations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.314
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1369-7625
pISSN - 1369-6513
DOI - 10.1111/hex.12212
Subject(s) - outreach , attendance , public health , health promotion , psychological intervention , medicine , qualitative research , psychology , health care , nursing , medical education , public relations , political science , sociology , social science , law
Abstract Background Health checks are promoted to evaluate individuals’ risk of developing disease and to initiate health promotion and disease prevention interventions. The NHS H ealth C heck is a cardiovascular risk assessment programme introduced in the UK aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease ( CVD ). Uptake of health checks is lower than anticipated. This study aimed to explore influences on people's decisions to take up the offer of a health check. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with people registered at four general practices in S outh L ondon. The interview schedule was informed by the T heoretical D omains F ramework. Data were analysed qualitatively using the F ramework method using NV ivo for data management. Results Twenty‐seven participants invited for a health check were included in the study. Seventeen received the health check while 10 either did not attend or failed to complete the check. Five themes emerging from the data included a lack of awareness of the health check programme, beliefs about susceptibility to CVD , beliefs about civic responsibility, issues concerning access to appointments, and beliefs about the consequences of having a check. Conclusions Health check programmes need to raise public awareness to ensure that people are informed about the objectives and nature of the programme in order to reach an informed decision about taking up the invitation. Emphasizing the benefits of prevention and early detection might encourage attendance in those who are reluctant to burden the public health‐care systems. Extending outreach initiatives and increasing ‘out of hours’ provision at local community sites could facilitate access.