KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES REGARDING PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES AMONG COMMUNITY RESIDENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTIONS
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Keywords
Preventive Healthcare, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Community Health, Health Promotion, Public Health Intervention, Health Awareness.
Abstract
Background: Preventive healthcare services play a crucial role in reducing the burden of disease, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving overall population health. Despite the availability of various preventive services, their utilization remains suboptimal in many communities due to inadequate awareness, misconceptions, and barriers to access. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of community residents regarding preventive healthcare is essential for designing effective public health strategies and interventions. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding preventive healthcare services among community residents and to identify factors influencing their utilization. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adult residents selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-validated structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics and KAP-related items on preventive healthcare services, including vaccination, routine health check-ups, cancer screening, maternal and child health services, and lifestyle modification practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate associations between demographic variables and KAP scores. Results: Among the participants, 68.3% demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding preventive healthcare services, while 74.0% exhibited a positive attitude toward preventive health measures. However, only 57.7% reported regular utilization of preventive services. Higher educational status, better socioeconomic conditions, and previous exposure to health education programs were significantly associated with higher knowledge and practice scores (p < 0.05). Major barriers identified included lack of awareness, financial constraints, time limitations, and perceived absence of illness. Conclusion:Although community residents generally possess favorable knowledge and attitudes toward preventive healthcare services, actual utilization remains inadequate. Targeted health education campaigns, improved accessibility of preventive services, and community-based awareness programs are needed to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice and strengthen public health outcomes.
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Dr. Smita Pramod Dudhale
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Science & Hospital, Durgapur, WB, India
