The attitudes and beliefs of veteran patients toward preventive medicine.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes and beliefs of veteran patients in a governmental primary care program toward preventive medicine, the interventions desired, as well as the differences in beliefs between patients and their health care providers. The subject pool included veteran patients using the primary care program at the Houston VA Medical Center, as well as the health professionals working in the clinic. Two questionnaires were administered to determine the attitudes of veteran patients and staff. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the personal health practices and attitudes of the subjects, perceived preventive medicine interventions, and the subjects beliefs' regarding preventive medicine and the influence of health care providers in promoting health. A t-test of independent means was calculated to compare the data obtained from the patents and health care providers. The results showed that patients and staff practice some form of preventive medicine in their lives. Many gaps existed between patient and provider perceptions regarding implementation of preventive medicine. Patients were significantly more pessimistic about provider interest in promoting preventive medicine than was perceived by providers.