Integrating Family Medicine into Preventive Healthcare for Improved Patient Well-being: Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.429Abstract
Background: Preventive healthcare plays a crucial role in reducing disease burden and improving overall well-being. Family medicine, with its holistic and patient-centered approach, is well-positioned to integrate preventive services into routine care. However, various barriers limit the effectiveness of preventive care in family medicine settings. This study aimed to assess the extent of preventive healthcare integration within family medicine and identify the factors influencing its utilization.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 patients and 50 family physicians in primary healthcare centers and family medicine clinics. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing preventive healthcare utilization, barriers, and physician involvement. Additionally, medical record reviews were conducted to validate preventive care practices. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS to evaluate patient engagement, physician practices, and institutional support for preventive healthcare.
Results: The findings revealed that 62.5% of patients underwent annual check-ups, while 80.0% had blood pressure screenings, and 75.0% had blood glucose screenings. However, cancer screening rates were lower at 45.0%, and only 55.0% of patients were up to date on vaccinations. Key barriers to preventive healthcare included lack of awareness (40.0%), time constraints (35.0%), and cost of services (30.0%). Among physicians, 80.0% routinely discussed preventive care, but 60.0% cited time constraints as a significant challenge. Patient satisfaction with family medicine services was high, with 82.5% of participants reporting satisfaction or high satisfaction with the care they received.
Conclusion: The study highlights the positive role of family medicine in delivering preventive healthcare, but gaps remain in cancer screening and vaccination coverage. Barriers such as lack of awareness, financial limitations, and physician workload affect preventive care accessibility. Strengthening institutional support, improving patient education, and adopting innovative solutions to ease physician burden are essential for optimizing preventive healthcare delivery. Addressing these challenges can lead to a more proactive healthcare model that enhances patient well-being and reduces long-term disease burden.
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