Background: Chronic diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and preventative screenings are the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease. However, many individuals do not take advantage of preventative screening services for chronic diseases, especially in rural areas. In this study, we investigated (1) the factors that affect people’s willingness to participate in chronic disease screenings and (2) reasons why people have not undergone screening for a chronic disease in the past. Methods: Study participants (aged 30–65 of years age; n = 204) included individuals from four areas in northern of Taiwan that are considered to have a high chronic disease risk. To identify factors that influence willingness to attend health screenings, data were collected by questionnaire. Results: Over 50% of participants (58.33%; n = 119) indicated that they were unaware of community-based screenings for chronic diseases offered by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, which is one of the top-rated medical centers in Taiwan. Factors that increase willingness to participate in health screenings for chronic diseases include: (1) the convenience of screening site locations; (2) affordability; and (3) other considerations related to healthcare providers and diagnostic facilities (e.g., reputation, degree of modernization, etc.). Conversely, factors that reduce willingness to participate in health screenings include: (1) a belief that one was currently healthy; (2) lack of time; (3) a belief that screening procedures were too complicated to understand; (4) physical pain or negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, embarrassment, pain, and discomfort and, (5) having had a negative experience during a previous health checkup. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that health attitudes, sociodemographic factors, and other motivating and preventative factors affect peoples’ willingness to participate in health screenings. The motivating factors and barriers for people to participate in health screening for chronic diseases are very heterogeneous. However, understanding the barriers and motivating factors to health screening would mean that interventions with the purpose of decreasing people’s health risks and reducing deaths and disabilities caused by a chronic illness could be implemented.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent obstruction to airflow through the lungs and long-term respiratory symptoms. Apart from dyspnea, a critical characteristic of patients with COPD is an impaired capacity to exercise, which limits their ability to participate in daily activities and severely impacts their quality of life. To provide a precise and effective exercise prescription, it is necessary to translate exercise science into evidence-based recommendations for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This study employed grounded theory methodology, and a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 24 respiratory care professionals who had an average of 17 years of relevant clinical work experience and were currently providing pulmonary rehabilitation services to COPD patients. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analysis was undertaken to identify the following themes: (1) Summary of system design features of exercise prescriptions; (2) Assistive Devices and Considerations for Exercise Training; and (3) Physical activity and exercise monitoring for COPD patients discharged from hospital. Our findings indicate that the implementation of exercise training to enhance the exercise capacity of COPD patients is a complex process. Barriers associated with physicians contribute to the challenges in effectively implementing exercise training programs. These barriers emphasize the importance of precise measurement and monitoring of physiological parameters. Furthermore, it is crucial to consider individual differences, limitations in workplaces and medical resources, and the effective utilization of technology for continuous monitoring of patient recovery.
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