Knowledge, perception and their determinants on screening and routine medical check-ups among adults in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

In the landscape of modern health, a crucial distinction exists between knowing a disease exists and understanding how to catch it before it causes harm. Preventive healthcare is the practice of looking for trouble before it becomes a crisis. It involves routine check-ups and specific tests designed to find silent conditions early, when they are easiest to treat. This approach relies heavily on two human factors: knowledge and perception. Knowledge is simply what a person knows about these tests—what they are, who needs them, and how often they should be done. Perception is the attitude a person holds toward them; it is whether they believe the tests are useful, necessary, or perhaps even a waste of time. When people possess accurate knowledge and hold a positive view of these services, they are far more likely to visit a clinic for a check-up, leading to earlier detection of illnesses and better health outcomes for everyone.

Researchers in Nigeria recently set out to understand exactly how adults in their country view these preventive measures. They focused on the state of Enugu, a region in the southeast that includes both bustling cities and quiet rural villages. The team wanted to see if people knew what screening tests were available and whether they believed in their value. To get a clear picture, they spoke directly with 1,450 adults, ranging from young people just starting their adult lives to seniors well into their later years. They visited various community gathering spots, from religious centers to public markets, ensuring they heard from a wide mix of people with different jobs, education levels, and backgrounds. The goal was not just to count how many people had heard of a check-up, but to understand the specific details of what they knew and how they felt about the process.

The study revealed a story of mixed results. On the positive side, the majority of the people interviewed had a good general understanding that routine medical check-ups exist. More than half of the respondents demonstrated a solid grasp of the concept, and nearly two-thirds held a positive attitude toward getting checked. Most people agreed that these visits are important for staying healthy and that they help catch diseases early. The most common source of this information was health workers themselves, followed by friends and mass media like television and radio. When asked about specific tests, the respondents were very familiar with the basics. Most knew about checking blood pressure and screening for blood sugar, which are common procedures for heart and diabetes risks.

However, a significant gap appeared when the conversation turned to more specialized screenings. While people knew about general checks, awareness dropped sharply for tests related to specific organs and cancers. Very few respondents were aware of screenings for cervical cancer, prostate health, or breast cancer through mammography. Even fewer knew about colonoscopies or tests for tuberculosis. This suggests that while the general idea of a check-up is understood, the specific tools available to prevent serious diseases are not widely known. Furthermore, a notable portion of the population still believed that check-ups were only necessary for people who were already sick, rather than for everyone as a routine part of life. This misconception can prevent healthy individuals from seeking the early detection that saves lives.

The researchers also looked at what factors made a person more likely to know about these services or view them positively. Age played a clear role; older adults were more knowledgeable and had more positive views than younger ones. Education was another powerful driver. People with higher levels of schooling were significantly more likely to understand the importance of screening and to have a favorable opinion of it. Occupation mattered as well, with government employees showing better knowledge than traders or skilled workers, likely due to workplace health programs. Perhaps most importantly, the study found that knowledge and perception are deeply linked. Those who knew more about the tests were far more likely to have a positive attitude toward them. Conversely, a lack of knowledge made it much harder for people to see the value in getting checked.

The findings suggest that while the foundation for preventive health is present in this community, it is incomplete. The general willingness to engage with healthcare is there, but the specific details needed to make informed decisions are missing for many. The study concludes that to improve public health, efforts must go beyond general awareness. Health education needs to be more specific, teaching people exactly what tests are available and why they matter, even if they feel healthy. By focusing on these gaps, particularly among younger and less-educated populations, health providers can help turn a general belief in check-ups into a routine practice that protects the community from the rising burden of chronic diseases.