Assessing Knowledge and Practices Towards Routine Medical Checkups Among Medical Students of Karachi: A...

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause about 70% of global deaths, and early detection through routine medical checkups (RMCs) is a key preventive measure. Despite their importance, RMC uptake remains low, particularly among youth. This study assessed the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of RMCs among medical students in Karachi, Pakistan, and identified barriers to their participation.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2025 across four medical institutions in Karachi, including JSMU, DUHS, KMDC, and SMBBMC. A total of 246 MBBS students from third to final year were selected via non-probability convenience sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from JSMU's Institutional Review Board (IRB No. JSMU/IRB/2025/1025). Data were collected through a structured, pilot-tested electronic questionnaire assessing independent variables (age, gender, year of study, knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers) and outcome variables (practice of RMCs). Cronbach's alpha for knowledge and practice domains was 0.76 and 0.72, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, employing descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Among 246 respondents, 83% were female and the majority (77.2%) were aged 21-23 years. While 90.2% correctly identified the preventive purpose of RMCs, only 21.4% personally scheduled checkups when asymptomatic. Most students (89.9%) supported including mental health screenings in RMCs. Female gender, age group, and year of study were not significantly associated with knowledge scores (p ≥ 0.05). Major barriers included lack of awareness (27.2%), financial constraints (25.8%), and fear of discovering illness (16%). Although 80.4% had recommended RMCs to others, only 26.8% had undergone a checkup within the past year.

Despite good theoretical knowledge and positive attitudes toward RMCs, actual practice among medical students remains poor. Financial barriers, perceived invulnerability, and time constraints hinder participation. Integrating preventive health practices into the curriculum, along with awareness campaigns and affordable services, may bridge the knowledge-practice gap.