Unlocking Preventive Health: Insights from a Community and Family Physicians on Non-Communicable Disease Services – A Qualitative Study in BMC Primary Care

Understanding Preventive Healthcare Access: Insights from a Recent Study

Access to preventive healthcare services is key to maintaining community health, but many still face barriers in utilizing these services. Let’s explore the findings of a study focused on understanding the healthcare habits of individuals and the perspectives of family physicians.

Who Participated?

The study involved 29 participants, including 21 women and 8 men, with an average age of 45. Notably, 5 participants were physicians, while the others represented various community members. Most had lived in Istanbul for a long time, and the average healthcare visits for the group were around 3 per year. Only one participant lacked health insurance, indicating a relatively high level of healthcare access.

Exploring Community Perspectives

Participants commonly expressed a sense of not needing preventive care unless facing obvious illnesses. One participant highlighted the hesitance to visit a doctor without symptoms, saying, “If I’m not in pain, why would I see a doctor?” This mindset emphasizes a cultural perception that preventative measures are only necessary when issues arise.

Many relied on family health history to gauge their risk, with several mentioning that a cancer history prompted more regular check-ups. A 63-year-old participant noted the importance of early detection, saying, “Taking preventive measures before it’s too late can lead to different approaches.”

Misperceptions and Barriers

A significant barrier is the belief that preventive services are luxury items available only to those with higher incomes. Some participants compared preventive care to private hospital services, feeling that primary care centers lack the necessary tools for adequate evaluations. One stated, “I know they don’t do it because, for example, they check some blood values, but they don’t check for thyroid levels.” This perception leads to avoidance of primary healthcare facilities altogether.

Stigmatization also plays a role. Concerns about receiving bad news from tests make some individuals reluctant to seek help. One participant shared, “I thought, never mind; it’s better not to know,” signifying a common fear surrounding diagnoses.

Physicians’ Views on Preventive Care

Family physicians also noted challenges in offering preventive care effectively. Many felt pressure to prioritize patient volume over quality service. One physician stated, “If the system mandates that a doctor must see 70 patients to receive payment, the doctor will prioritize meeting that quota.” They expressed that improving communication with patients is essential for better follow-up and trust.

A theme emerged regarding the need for more awareness about the capabilities of family physicians. “There is a general lack of awareness regarding the full range of capabilities that family physicians possess,” one physician noted, emphasizing the necessity of patient-physician communication.

Community Health Trends

According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases are on the rise, highlighting the urgency for effective preventive measures. Recent data shows that non-communicable diseases account for 71% of all global deaths, making access to preventive services crucial.

The study underscores the importance of holistic patient care. Physicians highlighted each visit as an opportunity for preventive interventions. One reflected, “We do not consider patients merely in relation to diabetes; instead, we view every periodic visit as an opportunity for assessment.”

Conclusion

Understanding the barriers to preventive healthcare access requires collaboration between patients, healthcare providers, and the community. Misconceptions, a lack of trust, and systemic issues all play a role in limiting effective care. By fostering better communication and awareness, we can bridge the gap in preventive health services, paving the way for healthier communities.

For more insights into preventative health, you can explore resources from the World Health Organization here.

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Preventive health services,Non-communicable diseases,Primary care,Qualitative research,General Practice / Family Medicine,Primary Care Medicine