Health Promotion in General Medical Practice in Ogun State

Abstract

This study was carried out among general medical practitioners in Ogun state to assess their attitude to and practice of health promotion in clinical practice. Although 91.1% of them indicated that health promotion is very important in clinical practice, only a quarter or less of them routinely asked or counseled their patients about health related behaviours while a minority routinely screened eligible patients for preventable diseases. Physicians can do more than they are doing presently to promote the health of Nigerians. Before they can do this effectively, there is a need to formulate relevant policies and re-orientate physicians and patients' consulting habit.


Key Words: Health promotion, General Medical practice, Ogun State.


Nig. Medical Practitioner Vol. 45(3) 2004: 29-32