The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63887

Jong-Long Guo, Department of Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, 162, Sec. 1, Hoping East Rd., Taipei, 10610, Taiwan, 011-886-223657907 #227, jlguo.tw@yahoo.com.tw and Chiu-Mieh Huang, School of Nursing, Chung Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Rd. Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.

This population-based study explored the prevalence of health/risk behaviors among 4440 mid-age/older Taiwanese, their utilization of preventive health services, and its related factors.

Descriptive statistics indicated the prevalence of tobacco smoking, alcohol use, betel nut chewing, and regular exercise was 25.1%, 25.9%, 6.5%, and 50.3% respectively. The prevalence of blood pressure, blood sugar, and uric acid, cholesterol, liver or kidney function check-up was 86.7%, 62.0%, and 60.1% respectively.

Study results indicated that people who were younger, male, lower educated, not satisfied with economic status, employed, with less chronic disease, more interpersonally interactive were more likely to be a tobacco, alcohol, or betel nuts user. Besides, respondents who were male, higher educated, had smaller family size, satisfied with economic status, not employed, had no unpleasant symptoms, had more interpersonal interactions, less depressed, had better physical functions were more likely to exercise regularly.

Factors including educated year, satisfaction with economic status, health insurance status, number of chronic diseases, interpersonal interaction were significantly associated with blood pressure/sugar/uric acid check-up and periodic physical examination.

Health education for less educated, lower check-up co-pay, increased accessibility for ill/disabled, and facilitating emotional support would be effective strategies for improving utilization of health preventive services. Demographic and psychosocial characteristics should be included in intervention design. Longitudinal study is also recommended for long-term trend.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate the procedure for conducting a population-based survey
• List at least five contextual and social determinants that are significantly associated with tobacco, alcohol, betel nut use, and regular exercise for mid-age and older.
• List at least five contextual and social determinants that are significantly associated with utilization of preventive health services for mid-age and older.

Keywords: Health Behavior, Prevention

Related Web page: grbsearch.stic.gov.tw/servlet/GRBSearch?showfile=PG9103-0311&recno=1&plan_or_report=plan&lastquery=%B3%A2%C4%C1%B6%A9

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.