STATUS OF PERIODIC HEALTH EXAMINATIONS AND NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AMONG OLDER ADULTS AT COMMUNE HEALTH STATIONS UNDER THE GO VAP AREA MEDICAL CENTER, 2025

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the rate of periodic health examinations and to describe selected risk factors and the prevalence of common non-communicable diseases among older adults at commune health stations under the Go Vap Area Medical Center in 2025.

Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted among 8,664 older adults, together with managerial staff and healthcare workers. Data were collected from screening records, laboratory tests, paraclinical results, non-communicable diseases, risk factors, and factors affecting participation in periodic health examinations.

Results: Among 81,066 older adults in the area, 8,664 received periodic health examinations, accounting for 10.7%. Of those examined, 73.5% underwent ultrasound and 78.9% received basic blood tests. Hypertension was the most common non-communicable disease (49.4%), followed by diabetes mellitus (17.4%); the rate of newly detected hypertension was 13.2%. Obesity accounted for 22.6% and physical inactivity for 7.8%; 8.8% had signs of frailty and 3.4% had decline in basic activities of daily living. Qualitative findings showed several barriers related to older adults’ awareness and mobility, as well as limitations in staffing and service organization at commune health stations.

Conclusions: The rate of periodic health examinations among older adults at commune health stations under the Go Vap Area Medical Center in 2025 remained low. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and physical inactivity were prominent health issues, indicating the need to strengthen periodic screening and health education.