Preventive health services utilization in patients treated by family physicians

Aim To explore preventive health service utilization in patients treated by family physicians and the factors associated with their use. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in family medicine outpatient departments of the Primary Health Care Canter of Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 300 patients (150 males and 150 females). A questionnaire for the evaluation of patients' socio-demographic characteristics, health profile and use of preventive health services was used. Results Females visited family physicians significantly more often than males (p=0.001). About 51.2% of males reported undergoing a prostate examination within the past 2 years, 77% of females had an examination of the breast within the past 2 years, 9.8% of males and 10.5% of females had received influenza immunization in past 12 months. A number of visits to family physicians in the last twelve months was significantly associated with having had a prostate examination (digital rectal examination and/or prostate-specific antigen testing) (B=1.413, SE=0.171; p=0.043) and an examination of the breast (clinical breast examination and/or mammography) (B=1.817, SE=0.307; p=0.041). Advancement in age was positively associated with influenza immunization (B=2.901, SE=0.026; p=0.000). Conclusion A visit to family physicians was an important step along the causal pathway to receiving preventive services (a prostate examination, an examination of breast). Adults aged 18-64 years were not well protected against influenza and comprehensive strategies are needed.