Comparison of utilization of preventive health care services between two racial populations

PURPOSE: The difference in utilization of existing preventive health care services (PHCS) may be related to race. We compared the difference in use of PHCS between black and white males in Northwest Louisiana.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey regarding utilization of preventive health care services was conducted from 09/93-10/97. Approximate equal number of white and black males participated in this quota survey.RESULTS: 70% of black males said they had ever gone to the doctor for routine preventive check-up, while 79% of white males did so (p < 0.001). For those who previously had a routine preventive check-up, 88% had their last one within one year. Most routine check-ups are provided as part of the employment. The white males are 1.4 times more likely to have a routine check-up as compared to black males (p < 0.05). Factors which have a positive effect on use of PHCS are education (OR = 1.07, p < 0.01); intent to get a check-up (OR = 9.0, p < 0.001); the doctor spending enough time with the patients (OR = 2.4, p = 0.01); and wanting some health information (OR = 1.7, p < 0.001). Factors which have a negative effect on use of PHCS are cost (OR = 0.73, p = 0.046); having to go to different places (OR = 0.65, p = 0.024); and being scared of the doctor (OR = 0.46, p < 0.001). An indication of a negative effect-although not statistically significant-was found for long waiting time (OR= 0.73, p = 0.55) and the doctor not spending enough time explaining to patients (OR = 0.47, p = 0.054).CONCLUSIONS: White males that are more likely to use PHCS as compared to African-Americans. People of higher education with a positive intent and actively seeking health information are more likely to use PHCS. The more time the doctor spends with the participant, the more likely it is the participant will come for a routine check-up. The barriers for use of PHCS are cost, having to go to different places, and being scared of the doctor.