AWARENESS, UTILIZATION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PERIODIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION AMONG ADULT PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA: AN ANALYTICAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Periodic medical examination (PME) offers opportunities for risk assessment, health promotion and evidence-based preventive care, yet utilization remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income settings. This study assessed awareness, utilization and factors associated with PME among adult patients attending a tertiary hospital in North-Central Nigeria. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among adults attending the General Outpatient Clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. Of 250 clients screened, 40 were excluded (23 had incomplete information and 17 were aged <18 years), leaving 210 participants for analysis. Systematic random sampling and a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire were used. Associations with PME uptake were examined using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression; adjusted odds ratios (aORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-values were reported. Results: Of 210 respondents, 146 (69.5%) had heard of PME, 151 (71.9%) understood its purpose and 155 (73.8%) considered it necessary; however, only 93 (44.3%) had ever undergone PME. Lower uptake was independently associated with informal education versus tertiary education (aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.75) and monthly income NGN100,000 (aOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.06-0.57). Hospital-policy awareness (aOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.33-4.35), non-smoking (aOR 4.00, 95% CI 1.45-10.99) and sleep ≥6 hours/night (aOR 3.48, 95% CI 1.68-7.22) were positively associated with uptake. Conclusion: PME awareness exceeded utilization. Socioeconomic circumstances, institutional awareness and selected health behaviours were associated with uptake. Integrating affordable, risk-appropriate preventive care into routine outpatient services may improve utilization.