title: Factors affecting use of preventive tests for cardiovascular risk among Greeks.
abstract: Data from a Greek national representative sample was used to investigate socio-demographic, self-perceived health, and health risk factors that determine the use of cardiovascular preventive tests (blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose). Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used (p < 0.05). Older age, marriage, regular family doctor and chronic diseases increased the likelihood of receiving preventive tests, whereas low education and alcohol consumption reduced the likelihood of having these tests. The effect of obesity varied. Interventions which improve the knowledge of the poorly educated and empower the preventive role of the physicians may redress the inequalities and improve the effectiveness of preventive services utilization.
authors.affiliation: Hellenic Open University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Bouboulinas 57, Patras, 26222, Greece. evanpappa@gmail.com
authors.forename: Evelina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pappa
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kontodimopoulos
authors.forename: Angelos A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Papadopoulos
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pallikarona
authors.forename: Dimitris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Niakas
authors.forename: Yannis
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tountas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D001786:Blood Glucose; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose