Factors associated with the intention to use adult preventive health services in Taiwan.

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the factors associated with the intention to use adult preventive health services in Taiwan. Using Andersen's behavioral model, we employed a cross-sectional descriptive design to investigate 500 samples from four communities in southern Taiwan. We used a self-reported survey to assess participants' intention to use adult preventive health services, and the predisposing, enabling, and need factors influencing their intention. Intention to use adult preventive health services was more significantly explained by predisposing and enabling factors than by need factors. In addition, a lack of fixed medical facilities (enabling factor) and Taiwanese origin (predisposing factor) were associated with decreased odds of intention to use adult preventive health services. An educational level of high school or below (predisposing factor), higher amounts of exercise (predisposing factor), and lower barriers to use preventive health services (predisposing factor) were associated with increased odds of intention to use adult preventive health services. The findings can assist public health nurses in identifying high-risk groups with lower intentions of using adult preventive health services. Additionally, community-based health education program can be developed to increase people's intention to use adult preventive health services.