Medical checkups: Who does not get them?

Abstract

Objectives. This study determined which predisposing, enabling, need, behavioral, and disease factors predict the use of medical checkups. Methods. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was used to obtain state estimates in Iowa. Results. A decreased likelihood of recent checkups was noted for persons aged 25 to 44, men, and those who faced cost barriers. An increased likelihood of recent checkups was associated with married people, highest household income, health insurance, fair and poor health status, physical exercise, occasional smoking, and some chronic diseases. Conclusions. A profile of persons not having a checkup in the past 12 months emerged from the investigation.