Factors Associated with Refraining from Health Checkups during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

This study aimed to determine the characteristics of people who refrained from having regular checkups due to the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the factors associated with this behavior. We conducted a nationwide internet survey of 4593 males and females aged 20-69 in Japan regarding their health checkups from April 2020 to March 2021, when COVID-19 was widespread. Individuals who received checkups during this time were the receiving group; those who did not were the refraining group. Personal attributes, responses to a health questionnaire and other items were used to compare the groups. The analysis showed that males over 53 refrained from having health checkups compared to those younger. On the other hand, males with higher personal incomes who never skipped breakfast received health checkups. Females with children under 18 years were less likely than those without to receive health checkups. For males, the characteristic factors were economic and health awareness and literacy. Females were less aware of medical checkups. Moreover, they demonstrated an inability to maintain an everyday rhythm. No factors were common to males and females, indicating the need to consider separate strategies for encouraging males and females to obtain annual health checkups.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the characteristics and factors associated with individuals who refrained from having regular checkups due to the spread of COVID-19. A nationwide internet survey was conducted in Japan, and the analysis showed that older males were more likely to refrain from checkups, while males with higher incomes and consistent breakfast habits were more likely to receive checkups. Females with children under 18 were less likely to receive checkups, and both genders had different characteristic factors, indicating the need for separate strategies to encourage annual health checkups.