Abstract
Objective: This study aims to clarify the main reasons why patients do not receive specific health guidance (SHG) on the same day of their check-ups from the Japan Health Insurance Association (JHIA), especially regarding background characteristics.
Methods: Subjects were patients who did not receive SHG on the same day of check-ups by the JHIA in our hospital. We investigated the reasons by analyzing a questionnaire as well as opinions freely given by these patients.
Results: The questionnaire was distributed to 57 subjects. We received and examined 53 (94.6%) valid responses from 44 (83%) men and 9 (17%) women.
A total of 25 patients (47.2%) were in their 40s, 17 (32.1%) were working in service industries, and 21 (39.6%) were either taking care of their children and seniors, or participating in social activities besides their jobs.
Among the main reasons for not receiving SHG the same day of check-ups were the following: “I must go back to work as soon as possible” (29, 54.7%), “I have no time today for activities not related to work” (13, 24.5%), and “I’ll improve my lifestyle habits by myself if necessary” (10, 18.9%).
Regarding the statistical analyses, there was a significant positive association between subjects who beforehand knew they were able to receive SHG on the same day and the response “I’ll improve my lifestyle habits by myself.” On the other hand, there was a positive association between subjects who worked on the night shift and the response “I’ve already tried to improve my lifestyle habits.”
Conclusion: This study suggests that the main reasons for insured patients not receiving SHG the same day of check-ups were responses related to lack of time and concern that it would interfere in matters that were more important than their health problems.
To increase the rate of receiving SHG the same day, it is important for us to provide proper information about this procedure to insured patients. Furthermore, we need to recommend employers in cooperation with the JHIA to provide better work conditions for their employees.
