TY - JOUR
T1 - Barriers and Facilitators of NHS Health Checks in Socioeconomically Deprived Communities in the North East of England
T2 - A Qualitative Study With Peer Researchers
AU - Eberhardt, Judith
AU - Kane, Laura
AU - Portman, Robert
AU - Ling, Jonathan
AU - Goddard, Tracy
AU - Johnston, Mark
AU - Robinson, Claire
AU - Reay, Abigail
AU - Divers, Andrew
AU - Newbury-Birch, Dorothy
N1 - © 2025 The Author(s). Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
PY - 2025/4/15
Y1 - 2025/4/15
N2 - Introduction: Preventive health services, such as the NHS Health Check programme, aim to identify and address key health risks, yet participation is particularly low in socioeconomically deprived areas, such as the North East of England. Understanding barriers and facilitators to engagement is critical to improving access and outcomes for these communities. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to NHS Health Check attendance in these underserved communities using a participatory research approach.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative design with a participatory approach, involving peer researchers from the target communities. Two peer research associates (PRAs) from socioeconomically deprived areas were trained to conduct semi-structured online or telephone interviews with 12 community members eligible for NHS Health Checks. Additionally, 5 stakeholders involved in the programme’s delivery were interviewed. Thematic analysis was conducted in collaboration with the PRAs to ensure community perspectives were authentically captured.
Results: Barriers to participation included limited awareness, cultural perceptions of self-reliance, fear of health-related discoveries, mistrust of healthcare systems, and logistical challenges exacerbated by structural inequalities. Participants emphasised the need for culturally tailored communication and flexible, accessible health checks. Stakeholders highlighted the role of collaboration, targeted outreach, and digital tools in addressing these barriers.
Conclusion: The study highlights key barriers to NHS Health Check uptake in socioeconomically deprived communities in the North East of England. Improving communication, increasing accessibility through community-based services, and building trust in healthcare are recommended key strategies to enhance participation and reduce health inequalities in these regions.
AB - Introduction: Preventive health services, such as the NHS Health Check programme, aim to identify and address key health risks, yet participation is particularly low in socioeconomically deprived areas, such as the North East of England. Understanding barriers and facilitators to engagement is critical to improving access and outcomes for these communities. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to NHS Health Check attendance in these underserved communities using a participatory research approach.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative design with a participatory approach, involving peer researchers from the target communities. Two peer research associates (PRAs) from socioeconomically deprived areas were trained to conduct semi-structured online or telephone interviews with 12 community members eligible for NHS Health Checks. Additionally, 5 stakeholders involved in the programme’s delivery were interviewed. Thematic analysis was conducted in collaboration with the PRAs to ensure community perspectives were authentically captured.
Results: Barriers to participation included limited awareness, cultural perceptions of self-reliance, fear of health-related discoveries, mistrust of healthcare systems, and logistical challenges exacerbated by structural inequalities. Participants emphasised the need for culturally tailored communication and flexible, accessible health checks. Stakeholders highlighted the role of collaboration, targeted outreach, and digital tools in addressing these barriers.
Conclusion: The study highlights key barriers to NHS Health Check uptake in socioeconomically deprived communities in the North East of England. Improving communication, increasing accessibility through community-based services, and building trust in healthcare are recommended key strategies to enhance participation and reduce health inequalities in these regions.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105002651381
U2 - 10.1111/hex.70199
DO - 10.1111/hex.70199
M3 - Article
C2 - 40235142
SN - 1369-6513
VL - 28
JO - Health Expectations
JF - Health Expectations
IS - 2
M1 - e70199
ER -