Xiaoxi Yao1, Allard E Dembe2, Thomas Wickizer3, Bo Lu4. 1. Mayo Clinic, Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, USA. Electronic address: yao.xiaoxi@mayo.edu. 2. The Ohio State University, College of Public Health, Center for Health Outcomes, Policy and Evaluation Studies, USA. 3. The Ohio State University, College of Public Health, Division of Health Services, Management and Policy, USA. 4. The Ohio State University, College of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Regular use of recommended preventive health services can promote good health and prevent disease. However, individuals may forgo obtaining preventive care when they are busy with competing activities and commitments. This study examined whether time pressure related to work obligations creates barriers to obtaining needed preventive health services. METHODS: Data from the 2002-2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were used to measure the work hours of 61,034 employees (including 27,910 females) and their use of five preventive health services (flu vaccinations, routine check-ups, dental check-ups, mammograms and Pap smear). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to test the association between working hours and use of each of those five services. RESULTS: Individuals working long hours (>60 per week) were significantly less likely to obtain dental check-ups (OR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.91) and mammograms (OR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.31-0.73). Working 51-60 h weekly was associated with less likelihood of receiving Pap smear (OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.46-0.96). No association was found for flu vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Time pressure from work might create barriers for people to receive particular preventive health services, such as breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening and dental check-ups. Health practitioners should be aware of this particular source of barriers to care.
OBJECTIVE: Regular use of recommended preventive health services can promote good health and prevent disease. However, individuals may forgo obtaining preventive care when they are busy with competing activities and commitments. This study examined whether time pressure related to work obligations creates barriers to obtaining needed preventive health services. METHODS: Data from the 2002-2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were used to measure the work hours of 61,034 employees (including 27,910 females) and their use of five preventive health services (flu vaccinations, routine check-ups, dental check-ups, mammograms and Pap smear). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to test the association between working hours and use of each of those five services. RESULTS: Individuals working long hours (>60 per week) were significantly less likely to obtain dental check-ups (OR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.91) and mammograms (OR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.31-0.73). Working 51-60 h weekly was associated with less likelihood of receiving Pap smear (OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.46-0.96). No association was found for flu vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Time pressure from work might create barriers for people to receive particular preventive health services, such as breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening and dental check-ups. Health practitioners should be aware of this particular source of barriers to care.
Authors: Rosa Maria de Albuquerque Freire; Maria José Lumini Landeiro; Maria Manuela Ferreira Pereira da Silva Martins; Teresa Martins; Heloísa Helena Ciqueto Peres Journal: Rev Lat Am Enfermagem Date: 2016-08-08
Authors: Pamela Barbadoro; Antonella D'Alleva; Sara Galmozzi; Gemma Zocco; Francesco Di Stanislao; Emilia Prospero; Marcello Mario D'Errico Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-06-12 Impact factor: 3.240