Sociodemographic determinants in preventive tests for cardiovascular diseases in a representative sample of the adult Greek population.

Objectives: The purpose of the current study is to investigate the use of preventive healthcare services by the adult Greek population and the factors that determine such use.

Methods: Data were obtained from a national household survey (Hellas Health I) conducted during 2006. The survey population consisted of 1,005 individuals, with a mean age of 47.4 years. Candidate respondents were selected by means of a three-stage, proportional to size, sampling design. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used (p < 0.05).

Results: Among the determinants of performance of screening tests, gender, age, marital status, the presence of chronic illness and self-reported health status and the use of a family doctor play an important role.

Conclusions: According to the findings of our study, screening tests are performed in a low percentage of the Greek population, even for individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. It is obvious that doctors should focus more on such population groups, while national health policies promoting screening tests and prevention in general are warranted.