Keywords: Noncommunicable diseases, integrated health care systems, qualitative research, primary care
Aim:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are an important public health problem worldwide. This research aims to reveal the factors hindering the success of integrated preventive healthcare services of NCDs
Method:
This qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews with 29 participants aged 28 to 63.
Results:
Of the 29 participants in the study, five were Family Physicians (FPs) and 21 were selected from the community.
The participants from the community (PfC) stated that they made a considerable effort to maintain good health but economic constraints to live in a healthy environment were declared as barriers. Additionally, most participants had limited knowledge about preventive health services in the health care system.
The term 'check-up examination' meant paid health checks in private health institutions for most PfC. A few participants with a family history of cancer and heart disease stated that they applied to the governmental hospital but were followed up in a private hospital due to busy schedules. They also added that if they do not have any disease, health staff were reluctant to perform check-ups.
Some FPs stated that every visit from a patient was a chance to engage in preventive health measures, while others cited a decline in motivation due to factors such as heavy workloads, the deficiency of a robust referral mechanism, and insufficient feedback. Feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness were also expressed. Preventive health services were provided only to patients who applied, FPs also complained about the high number of unnecessary applications due to low health literacy.
Conclusions:
Implementing team-based community screening strategies and reactivating the referral system in primary healthcare institutions could potentially contribute to the prevention of NCDs. This highlights the need for an integrated approach to enhance access to preventive health services.
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