Approximately half of American adults are skipping regular checkups and health screenings that could catch diseases early in their development, according to a recently released survey. One in four respondents to the 2023 Wellness Matters survey reported they don't schedule checkups because they feel fine.
The survey was conducted in June by Kantar Profiles for Aflac Inc., according to a June 28 press release. The study surveyed 2,001 employed adults aged 18 to 65 years old, on their "attitudes, habits and opinions about health and preventive care," the release states.
Survey results found that in addition to the 25% of respondents who reported they skip regular checkups because they feel healthy, 23% cited work conflicts, the release reports. "Not thinking about it" was the response of 22% of survey participants; 21% said they skip checkups and health screenings because they don't like going to see a doctor, whereas insurance issues kept another 21% from having a checkup, according to the release. Fear of hearing bad medical news (18%) and the time required to go to a doctor's appointment (16%) were also cited by participants.
However, the Wellness Matters survey also reports that 51% of cancer patients reported the cancer was discovered through routine checkups or screenings, the release states.
Men typically have a higher opinion than do women when it comes to their current and future health and their ability to control it, the survey found. Between 53% and 69% of male participants reported positive outlooks on the condition of their physical, mental and financial health, according to the release; only 38% to 56% of female respondents reported feeling good about the same issues.
When it comes to generational differences in attitudes about health and health care, Gen Zers (respondents born between 1997 and 2012) reported the lowest feelings of control over their physical and mental health and were the most likely group to skip annual wellness exams, according to the study.
Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) and Gen Xers (born 1965-1981) responded that preventative care such as checkups and screenings for specific diseases are significant to their overall health and well being, at 64% of baby boomers and 55% of Gen Xers; 49% of Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and 40% of Gen Zers felt the same, the release reports.
A finding in the survey suggests the younger generations might be more inclined to have medical checkups and screenings if their parents or caregivers exhibited good health habits early in the youngers' lives, with 64% reporting they were responsive to encouragement from friends and family to seek preventive care. And 85% stated a "cash incentive" to help with the cost of checkups and tests would make them more likely to have routine checkups, according to the release.
"The results of the Wellness Matters survey put a spotlight on the need for individuals to have a more proactive approach to their health care," Tom Morey, chief actuary of Aflac U.S., said in the press release. "That is why Aflac is encouraging policyholders and others to take control of their health by building good health habits early, asking health and insurance providers questions, and prioritizing routine wellness checkups."
