Regional Utilization of Preventive Services in the 55-Plus Age Group: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Rising chronic disease and multimorbidity rates in Germany necessitate improved preventive care.
• Statutory health insurance (SHI)-financed preventive services have suboptimal uptake in the general population.
• Limited data exists on SHI preventive service utilization among older adults in Saxony-Anhalt, a region facing significant demographic shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utilization of SHI-financed preventive services among individuals aged 55 and above in Saxony-Anhalt.
• To identify determinants, reasons for use, and barriers to accessing these preventive services.
• To inform the development of effective preventive strategies for the aging population in the region.

Main Methods:

• Convergent mixed-methods design integrating claims data analysis (Zi, KZV LSA) and cross-sectional surveys.
• Qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews with residents and focus groups with physicians.
• Systematic evaluation of available informational materials on colorectal cancer screening as a case study.

Main Results:

• Claims data analysis is underway; survey data collection (n=954, 25.84% response rate) and qualitative interviews (n=18) were completed in April-June 2021.
• Focus groups included 4 general practitioners and 3 medical specialists.
• 37 informational materials on colorectal cancer screening were identified from 16 healthcare actors' websites.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide current, reliable data on preventive service use in Saxony-Anhalt's 55+ population.
• Insights into utilization determinants, reasons, and barriers will be generated.
• Results will guide concrete recommendations for enhancing preventive care uptake in the target demographic.