Older men's experiences of community-based health checks in Knowsley, UK

Kirkcaldy, A.J., Robinson, J.E. , Perkins, E.S. and Forrest, D. (2011) Older men's experiences of community-based health checks in Knowsley, UK. Global Public Health, 6(1), pp. 15-27. (doi: 10.1080/17441691003720247) (PMID:20419533)

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Abstract

A study using both qualitative and quantitative methods was undertaken to examine the impact of community-based health checks on men in Knowsley, UK. The main objective was to understand whether community-based health checks targeted at specific geographical and age groups were an effective way of improving health in men. Interviews were conducted with 50 service users, and a completed postal questionnaire was received from 178 men who had attended during the service's pilot period. Results indicated that men were generally satisfied with both the content and structure of the health checks. Men spoke favourably of the service they had received, particularly in comparison to their previous experiences of primary care. They reported enjoying using a service that allowed them to examine their own health in a comfortable environment. Knowledge was provided to a group whose awareness of health matters was often poor, and the vast majority of men reported making a variety of positive lifestyle changes as a result of attending. Reported improvements to health included giving up smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, increasing exercise and eating more healthily. The study suggests that services of this nature deserve careful consideration by health care professionals and policy-makers.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Robinson, Professor Jude
Authors: Kirkcaldy, A.J., Robinson, J.E., Perkins, E.S., and Forrest, D.
College/School:College of Social Sciences
Journal Name:Global Public Health
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1744-1692
ISSN (Online):1744-1706
Published Online:22 April 2010

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