Unveiling the Factors Influencing Participation in Periodic Medical Examinations among Adults in North Central Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Periodic Medical Examinations (PMEs) is a preventive healthcare strategy for early detection and management of medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes in order to mitigate potentially fatal outcomes. This is particularly relevant for individuals over 40, where annual PMEs are recommended for optimal health and productivity. A study was conducted in Apir community, Northcentral Nigeria, to investigate factors influencing PME uptake among adult residents. This community-based cross-sectional study, involving 420 participants, utilized questionnaires to assess knowledge, uptake, and associated factors. The study revealed a high level of PME knowledge (70%) and awareness (82.4%), primarily sourced from hospitals. However, awareness of existing PME policies was limited (57.6%), and actual uptake was low, at only 29.5%. Statistically significant associations were found between PME uptake and education level, occupation, and income (p<0.05). Knowledge regarding PME frequency and timing, coupled with awareness of hospital policies, also correlated with uptake (p<0.05). Furthermore, lifestyle factors, including cigarette smoking and sufficient sleep, exhibited significant associations with PME utilization (p<0.05). The conclusion highlights a disparity between PME knowledge and uptake, depicting trends observed in other studies. This underscores the need for targeted interventions. Government and stakeholders should leverage on these findings to develop policies promoting health education, lifestyle modifications, and financial empowerment, ultimately aiming to improve PME uptake and public health outcomes.