Related Experiment Videos
Are routine checkups necessary?: The Shinawatra's employee study
K Bhuripanyo1, W Leowattana, O Ruangratanaamporn
1Her Majesty Cardiac Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Routine health checkups revealed low abnormalities from blood counts and urinalysis. However, hypertension, elevated AST/ALT suggesting hepatitis, and chest roentgenography abnormalities were common, especially in older males.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Preventive medicine
- Medical diagnostics
Background:
- Routine annual checkups are crucial for early disease detection in employee populations.
- Understanding the prevalence of specific health abnormalities informs targeted screening strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of abnormalities detected through a comprehensive annual health checkup in Shinawatra employees.
- To identify specific health conditions requiring targeted screening and management.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 3,615 employees (aged 18-60) including medical history, anthropometrics, physical exams, and laboratory tests (CBC, urinalysis, blood chemistry, chest X-ray).
- Statistical analysis to determine the prevalence of abnormalities based on age and sex.
Main Results:
- Low prevalence of abnormalities from complete blood count (CBC) and urinalysis; routine use not recommended.
- High prevalence of hypertension in males (after age 25) and females (after age 40).
- Elevated AST/ALT (suggesting hepatitis) common in males from a young age; diabetes mellitus prevalent in males over 45.
- Chest roentgenography abnormalities (pulmonary infiltration, cardiomegaly) found in 9.4%, increasing with age after 44.
Conclusions:
- Routine CBC, urinalysis, BUN, and creatinine tests are not recommended.
- Routine blood pressure measurement is recommended for males ≥25 and females ≥40.
- Targeted screening for cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, and chest X-rays based on age and sex is suggested.