Public awareness on the importance of attending preventive check-ups

Abstract

Maligne bolesti predstavljaju jedan od ključnih izazova javnog zdravstva u Republici Hrvatskoj, s kontinuiranim porastom njihove pojavnosti i smrtnosti svake godine. Prevencija raka u Hrvatskoj provodi se kroz tri razine: primarnu, sekundarnu i tercijarnu, pri čemu sekundarna razina uključuje Nacionalne preventivne programe. Ovaj završni rad posebno je usmjeren na četiri važna programa: Nacionalni program za rano otkrivanje raka dojke, program za rano otkrivanje raka vrata maternice, program za rano otkrivanje raka debelog crijeva te Posebni program za probir i rano otkrivanje raka prostate. Unatoč postojanju Nacionalnih preventivnih programa koji omogućuju rano otkrivanje raka i besplatne preventivne preglede, odaziv građana još uvijek nije na zadovoljavajućoj razini. Cilj završnog rada bio je provjeriti razinu upućenosti opće populacije o važnosti preventivnih pregleda, ispitati mišljenja o učinkovitosti javnozdravstvenih kampanja te utvrditi znanje o osnovnim dijagnostičkim metodama otkrivanja malignih bolesti. Istraživanje je provedeno putem anonimnog online anketnog upitnika u kojem je sudjelovalo 170 ispitanika različitih dobnih skupina, obrazovanja i statusa zaposlenosti. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju kako je većina ispitanika upoznata s Nacionalnim preventivnim programima, no veliki dio se ne odaziva redovito na pozive za preglede. U istraživanju je bilo zastupljeno sedam dobnih skupina, od kojih je najzastupljenija dob od 18 do 25 godina. Upravo ovdje dolazi do izražaja važnost zdravstvene edukacije i promicanja zdravlja među svim dobnim skupinama. Posebno se naglašava djelokrug rada medicinske sestre prvostupnice, koja ima važnu ulogu u promicanju zdravlja, edukaciji građana i motiviranju na sudjelovanje u Nacionalnim preventivnim programima. Njezin doprinos kroz savjetovanje, rad u zajednici i javnozdravstvene kampanje može uvelike utjecati na smanjenje smrtnosti i unaprjeđenje kvalitete života oboljelih. Upravo djelovanjem svih razina prevencije te zdravstvenih djelatnika raznih struka, može se uvelike pridonijeti povećanju odaziva na preventivne preglede i time pomoći u borbi protiv malignih bolesti.Malignant diseases represent one of the leading public health issues in the Croatian Republic, with their incidence and mortality increasing year by year. In Croatia, cancer prevention is carried out at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, with the secondary level encompassing the National Preventive Programs. This final paper emphasizes the National Preventive Program for Early Detection of Breast Cancer, the National Preventive Program for Early Detection of Cervical Cancer, the National Preventive Program for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer, and the Special Program for Screening and Early Detection of Prostate Cancer. Despite the existence of National Preventive Programs that enable early cancer detection and offer free preventive examinations, citizen participation is still not at a satisfactory level. The aim of this final paper was to assess the general population’s awareness of the importance of preventive examinations, to examine opinions on the effectiveness of public health campaigns, and to determine knowledge of basic diagnostic methods for detecting malignant diseases. The research was conducted through an anonymous online survey completed by 170 respondents of various age groups, education levels, and employment statuses. The results showed that while most respondents are familiar with the National Preventive Programs, a large number do not regularly respond to screening invitations. Seven age groups were represented in the research, with the most represented group being those aged 18 to 25. This highlights the importance of health education and health promotion across all age groups. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the bachelor-level nurse, who plays a key role in promoting health, educating the public, and motivating participation in the National Preventive Programs. Her contribution through counseling, community work, and public health campaigns can significantly impact mortality reduction and improve the quality of life for patients. By activating all levels of prevention and involving healthcare professionals from various disciplines, participation in preventive screenings can be greatly increased, contributing to the fight against malignant diseases