Innovative approach to health promotion for the over 45s: using a health check log

Objectives.  To determine effectiveness of the health check log (HCL) in promoting health-related quality of life and health awareness, health monitoring skills and timely consultation with health professionals for a cohort of community-dwelling people over 45 years, compared with a similar cohort not recording the HCL. Design.  An exploratory longitudinal study using a quasi-experimental methodology and data triangulation. Outcome measures included the SF-36 health survey; a semi-structured participant feedback survey and participant focus group discussions. Sample.  A convenience sample (n = 309) of community dwellers over the age of 45 living in the South Eastern Sydney/Illawarra Area Health Service, Sydney, Australia. Results.  The majority of participants recording the HCL reported health benefits. The SF-36 health survey found younger age is a predictor for positive change in 'social functioning' (β = -0.14, t = 2.25, P < 0.05), while non-pension income was a predictor of positive 'physical functioning' (β = 0.12, t = 2.02, P < 0.05) and 'general health' (β = 0.13, t = 2.11, P < 0.05). Alternatively, full-time employment (β = -0.12, t = 2.02, P < 0.05) and not living alone (β = 0.18, t = 3.09, P < 0.01) predicted negative change in 'role - physical'. Participant reactions to recording the HCL via feedback survey and focus group discussions were mostly positive. Conclusions.  The majority who maintained the HCL benefited by achieving improved health and knowledge of health monitoring, which was, however, moderated by age, income source, employment status and living arrangements.