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Survey finds knowledge of free checkups inadequate
MISSING OUT:
Many are unaware that they are entitled to free physical examinations which can play a decisive role in early diagnosis of disease
By Flora Wang
STAFF REPORTER
Sunday, Jul 09, 2006, Page 2
More than 60 percent of the public aged over 15 have no idea that the National Health Insurance scheme offers free physical examinations for middle-aged and elderly citizens, according to a recent official poll.
The Bureau of Health Promotion conducted the research last year interviewing approximately 19,000 people aged over 15 in cooperation with the National Health Research Institutes and the National Bureau of Controlled Drugs.
Although the level of awareness of free examinations was better among interviewees aged over 40, still about a quarter were not aware that health insurance covers physical check-ups for over 40s every three years and annually for the elderly.
The statistics also showed that less than half of the over 40s surveyed had taken advantage of the scheme.
In addition, about 40 percent of the insured said that they do not make use of the service because "they think they are in good health," according to the survey.
Male interviewees had more confidence in their state of health and less awareness of the health service compared with females, and are as a result are less likely to take advantage of examinations, according to the survey.
Lin Yu-hsuan (林宇旋), section chief of the bureau's research center for population and health, said the bureau wants to raise people's awareness of the benefits of early diagnosis of chronic disease by means of the examination service.
"Most chronic diseases have no symptoms at an early stage. Health check-ups can therefore help to reveal potential health problems early," Lin said.
Although 71.5 percent of those surveyed knew that diet plays a role in the prevention of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure, about one fifth were unaware of this, based on the poll.
Lin said that raising awareness of the the benefits of physical examinations for people who are eligible for free check-ups will be a major focus of the bureau over the next three years.
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