Results of a study on the population’s commitment to disease prevention in the Russian Federation

Relevance . In order to successfully maintain health, it is necessary to identify the factors that influence public commitment to disease prevention and to determine the reasons for the public’s lack of involvement in preventive measures. The purpose of the study : to study public commitment to disease prevention and identify measures to improve the accessibility of medical care. Materials and methods . A one-time observational study was conducted using a questionnaire consisting of 37 questions on the involvement of citizens in preventive measures in 85 regions of the Russian Federation. Results . Among the barriers that prevent people from taking preventive measures, the most common were problems with the organization of medical care and inconvenient work schedules for specialists, as well as personal commitments to study or work. Respondents who had taken preventive measures were more likely to analyze the situation and see more obstacles, as well as being afraid of appearing overly concerned about their health. Among the measures that could increase the degree of involvement in preventive measures, the most frequently mentioned were improving the quality of the activities carried out, the lack of formalism in the work on the part of medical professionals (31.1% of respondents), increasing the availability of preventive measures from medical institutions (24.9% of respondents), positive incentives during preventive measures (for example, additional day off) (21.1% of respondents). Conclusion . The study showed that the number of respondents satisfied with the organization of preventive measures by medical institutions is higher among those involved in prevention than among those who did not participate in preventive measures. Among those who are not satisfied with the organization of preventive measures, only 28.7% of respondents had experience of participating in preventive measures. The study demonstrates the need for active work to create a stable attitude among the population towards a healthy lifestyle and preventive measures, involving all representatives of legislative and executive authorities in these processes.