Open AccessUtilization of Routine Medical Checkup and Factors Influencing Use of Routine Medical Checkup among Saudi Students Studying in the USA in 2019
Author(s) -
Ali M. Alzahrani,
Holly C. Felix,
M. Stewart,
James P. Selig,
Taren Swindle,
Mohamed Abdeldayem
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the saudi journal of health systems research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2673-6136
DOI - 10.1159/000514178
Subject(s) - medicine , descriptive statistics , family medicine , logistic regression , health care , cross sectional study , environmental health , statistics , mathematics , economics , economic growth , pathology
The few studies that have investigated patterns of routine checkup (hereafter routine checkups) among Saudis have found overall low rates of use. Those studies focused mainly on understanding the influence of individual characteristics on use of routine checkup. Aims: The main purpose of this study was to consider a wider array of factors beyond individual characteristics, including system-based factors, beliefs, attitudes, and satisfaction, and to examine their influence on use of routine checkup among Saudi students studying in the United States. Methods: A cross-sectional survey targeting Saudi students studying in the United States aged 19 years or older was conducted to gather information about their sociodemographic characteristics, needs for healthcare, use of routine checkup and satisfaction with access to primary care services. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine factors influencing use of routine checkup among Saudis. Results: 381 surveys were eligible to be included in the analyses. Among the included participants, only 25.5% had a routine checkup after the age of 18 years. The likelihood of having routine checkup after the age of 18 was significantly higher among those who trusted provided primary care, believed in the importance of routine checkup, had health insurance, had chronic conditions and were physically active, and was significantly lower among married individuals. Conclusions: The use of routine checkup is low among Saudis and this study has laid the foundation for future research that can inform policy and decision-making related to improving use of routine care in Saudi Arabia.