Factors associated with non-participation in a health screening programme and its barriers: Findings from the Community Empowers the Nation Programme (KOSPEN), Malaysia 2016

Authors

  • Lim Kuang Kuay Institute for Public Health

Abstract

Introduction: The Ministry of Health, Malaysia had introduced the community based action programme (KOSPEN) to improve the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the population. This study aims to identify factors associated with non-participation in screening activities and its barriers.

  

Methods:  This cross sectional study was conducted from May to June 2016 in KOSPEN localities. A total of 2354 adults aged 18 years and above were selected using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design. The data were obtained through face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with non-participation in health screening.

 

Results: Out of 2156 respondents interviewed (response rate of 91.6%), approximately 75% (n=1624) of the respondents did not participate in the KOSPEN health screening programme. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that, males (aOR: 2.35, 95% CI 1.21, 4.55) and those working in private sector (aOR: 2.11, 95% CI 1.21, 3.67) were more likely to not participate in health screening. While, age, ethnicity, level of education, marital status and household income were not significantly associated with non-participation in health screening. The reasons for not participated were “did not know health screening was conducted in their localities†(39.3%) and had no time to attend the programme (18.2%).

 

Conclusions: The findings are of public health concern as about 75% of respondents failed to participate in this programme due to lack of awareness of the health screening activities. The use of social networks should be considered to increase participation in the programme.

Keywords: non-communicable diseases, KOSPEN, health screening, Malaysia.

Author Biography

Lim Kuang Kuay, Institute for Public Health

Head

Center for Occupational Health Research

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Published

2020-03-30

How to Cite

Kuay, L. K. (2020). Factors associated with non-participation in a health screening programme and its barriers: Findings from the Community Empowers the Nation Programme (KOSPEN), Malaysia 2016. International Journal of Public Health Research, 10(1). Retrieved from https://spaj.ukm.my/ijphr/index.php/ijphr/article/view/258