Periodic medical check-up among residents of three Nigerian South-western States

Objectives: General medical examination is a common form of preventive medicine. Periodic medical check-up generally involves thorough history, physical examination and screening of asymptomatic persons by physicians on a regular basis as part of a routine health care process. Periodic medical check-up is considered effective in preventing illness and promoting health and reducing morbidity and mortality. This study is therefore designed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of periodic medical check-up among residents of Osun, Ondo & Ekiti States of Nigeria. It is also to determine the influence of educational status on its practice and compare the outcomes in the three states. Materials & Methods: The cross-sectional survey study utilizing both qualitative and quantitative method of data collection was conducted at various locations across the three states. The locations included those of public servants, private sector workers, artisans, traders, business men/women, farmers, among others. Results: 1200 consenting residents participated in the study in each of the three states. 518 (43.2%) of the respondents in Ondo State are males while 682 (57.8%) are females. 465 (38.8%) of the respondents in Ekiti State are males while 735 (61.2%) are females. 494 (41.2%) of the respondents in Osun State are males while 706 (59.8%) are females. The mean age in Ondo, Ekiti & Osun were 43.8 ± 10.7 years, 44.6 ± 11.5 years and 41.7 ± 10.1 years respectively. 89.2%, 88.3% and 87.4% of the respondents are aware of periodic medical check-up in Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states respectively. Conclusion: There is high level of awareness of periodic medical check-up in all three states but the level of practice of routine medical check-up is low. The majority of the respondents probably don’t practice it because their health insurance plan does not cover the medical check-up or due to individual/organizational financial constraints.