[Medical check-ups on the <>. Benefit for population at risk or self-selection of healthy and health-conscious patients?]. / Medizinische Check-ups auf dem Gesundheitsschiff. Nutzen für Risikogruppen oder Selbstelektion gesunder und gesundheitsbewusster Patienten?

The aim of the present study was to assess health related characteristics and reasons for participation on the <>, second, to compare these variables with a representative Swiss Health Survey (SHS). Characteristics of the participants were collected cross-sectionally and afterwards compared with results of the SHS. Response rate was 74.6% (n = 206). Compared to the SHS population smoking rate and alcohol consumption were significantly lower and a doctor's visit within the last 12 months more frequent. Considerable differences in health related characteristics exist between our study and the SHS suggesting a self-selection of healthy people. Thus a potential health gain by this kind of medical prevention program is at least questionable.