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Failure by a Group of Elderly Men to Use a Preventive Health Service
Author(s) -
Elwood Thomas W.,
Oakes Thomas W.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1975.tb00387.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gerontology , health examination , health care , service (business) , health services , family medicine , perception , environmental health , population , economy , neuroscience , economics , biology , economic growth
The perceptions of 25 white males (age range, 53–62) were studied in relation to use of multiphasic screening. Each of these men had been urged repeatedly to take advantage of this service but had failed to do so. The multiphasic examination itself was free, so cost was not an inhibiting feature. This report deals with the proffered reasons why these men did not take the screening examination. The factors could be classified as: 1) social influences, 2) health care setting, 3) beliefs about health, 4) use of alternative forms of care, 5) the time involved for testing, and 6) disinterest. A discussion of some individual responses is included. Recommendations are made for structuring more effective delivery of health care services for the elderly.