ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF HEALTH CHECK AWARENESS AMONG STAFF OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA, NIGERIA
David U. Adje* John E. Arute, Felicia O. Williams, Ejiro E. Akpovwovwo, and Chukwuemeka E. Kaine
ABSTRACT
Background: Early detection of diseases through health checks could help reduce complications and mortality from chronic diseases. Adopting preventive health behavior is essential for maintaining a productive workforce. Objective: To access the level of awareness and health check habit among staff of Delta State University and to explore socio-demographic variables affecting health checks. Method: Pretested questionnaires were administered to selected staff from various faculties of the university. Responses were expressed as frequency and percentage. Chi Square test was used to explore association between health check behavior and independent variables. A P value of 0.05 was considered significant. Result: The level of awareness about health checks was high. Health care professionals were the principal source of information about health checks. Blood pressure check was the most predominant health check irrespective of gender. Only 11% of males and 15% of females had ever done a PSA test or a Pap smear test respectively. More than one third of females claim to do regular breast self – examination. More than 90% of females had never done mammogram and only 15% of females had ever had HPV vaccination. Age, gender, educational level, discipline and cadre were found not to be significantly associated with level of health checks awareness. Conclusion: Although there was a high level of awareness of health check among the staff of Delta State University, the actual level of practice was very low.
Keywords: Health checks, Annual medical checkup, Delta State University, Nigeria.
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