Factors affecting the use of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol measurement preventive health services in Türkiye, 2019

Objective: The aim of this study is to reveal the level of use of preventive health services (blood pressure measurement, cholesterol measurement and blood sugar measurement) in Türkiye and to determine individual, sociodemographic, social and systemic factors that are thought to be effective in individuals’ use of preventive health services. Methods: In the study, the Türkiye Health Survey 2019 data set, which is regularly conducted at the national level by the Turkish Statistical Institute, was used. Data obtained from a total of 16.253 individuals aged 18 and over who participated in the Türkiye Health Survey were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) program. Results: According to the results obtained as a result of the analyzes carried out in the research, 88.6% of the participants had their blood pressure measured, 83.7% had their cholesterol measured and 88.9% had their blood sugar measured. It has been determined that among the participants, women, older individuals, those with higher education levels, those who engage in physical activity, those with poorer health status, those who can receive social support from their surroundings, and those with social security coverage use preventive health services more. Conclusion: The regular and effective use of preventive health services is an important method for improving public health and reducing healthcare costs. This study enables international comparisons by revealing the blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar measurement levels of individuals living in Türkiye and the factors that affect them. In addition, the study is important in terms of reviewing the policies implemented to increase and encourage the use of these services by raising awareness of preventive health services. In this context, it is thought that facilitating access to provided healthcare services and improving their quality; increasing the quality and quantity of education; providing information on which age groups and how often preventive services should be received; and effectively monitoring the process will support the use of these services in the early stages.