Suitable of annual health check-up programs as divided by age of 35 years(ความเหมาะสมของโปรแกรมตรวจสุขภาพประจำปี ตามเกณฑ์อายุ 35 ปี)

Abstract

Annual health check-up program is useful for early detection of diseases, which will facilitate successful treatment and improve prognosis. In addition, it helps reducing the cost of treatment. For the government officers, the annual check-up fee is paid, according to age groups, by The Comptroller General’s Department, Ministry of Finance. However, the tests include in the check-up programs may not appropriate for person of less than 35 years of age. The objective of this study was to evaluate how suitable the health check-up program as divided by age of 35 years due to the regulations of The Comptroller General’s Department, Ministry of Finance. The study design was cross-sectional. Data were collected from 466 persons who visited the health promotion center, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center from July, 2007 to December, 2008. The dataset of fasting blood sugar, blood lipid, renal function, liver function, and blood uric acid were divided into two groups: less than 35 years and equal to or over 35 years. Qualitative data and quantitative data were compared by Chi-square test and T-test, respectively at p-value of less than 0.05. The results showed that 57.1% of subjects were female. The average age was 43.9 years. The values of blood pressure, waist circumference, chest X-ray, stool occult blood, and fasting blood sugar were significantly different between two age groups. Fasting blood sugar, blood lipid, renal function, liver function, and blood uric acid were not statistical difference between age < 35 years and age > 35 years. In conclusion, hypertension, abdominal obesity, abnormal chest X-ray, stool occult blood, and high blood sugar were mostly found at older age. It was recommended that the health check-up program which be select by age 35 years old, should be adjusted.