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New Ipsos Survey Highlights Critical Gaps in Preventive Care for Women

A recent survey conducted by Ipsos, commissioned by the Alliance for Women's Health and Prevention (AWHP), has unveiled alarming statistics regarding women's access to preventive healthcare services in the United States. The study, which included responses from 3,199 women aged 18 and older, revealed that a staggering 42% of participants had forgone preventive healthcare services in the last year. These services included annual check-ups, medical screenings, and vaccinations, underscoring a significant healthcare access issue faced by women, particularly in underserved communities.

Key Findings of the Survey

The survey identified several barriers that women encounter when attempting to access preventive healthcare. The primary obstacles include:

• - Affordability: Many women reported that healthcare costs were prohibitive.
• - Time Constraints: Responsibilities related to work, school, and family often left little time for medical appointments.
• - Prioritization: Health was frequently deprioritized amid other obligations.

Over 40% of the survey respondents indicated they experienced issues accessing necessary healthcare services over the past year. Those issues included:

• - 26% reported missing routine or recommended vaccinations.
• - 19% skipped preventive health services like annual physicals or routine tests.
• - 12% had difficulties scheduling appointments with primary care providers.
• - 8% were unable to see a gynecologist or obtain necessary health screenings.

Reasons for Forgoing Preventive Healthcare

When asked why they had not utilized preventive healthcare services, the women cited several reasons, including:

• - Feeling Unnecessary: 29% thought preventive care was not needed.
• - Cost Concerns: 22% found the expenses too high to manage.
• - Competing Responsibilities: 19% noted that work, school, or childcare duties prevented them from seeking care.

The data is particularly concerning for women with a family history of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and mental health issues. According to Millicent Gorham, CEO of AWHP, “Barriers related to affordability and access to reliable information continue to impede women from receiving necessary preventive healthcare services like screenings and vaccinations.”

The Role of Social Media

Interestingly, the survey found that women turn to social media as a significant source of health information. While 66% of respondents considered healthcare providers their main source of information, 39% acknowledged social media as a valuable resource for health information and peer support. Despite the benefits, 68% reported encountering conflicting information online. Additionally, 24% of women under 50 view health influencers as equally credible as healthcare providers, indicating a growing trend in how women utilize digital resources. Nevertheless, experts warn that social media should complement discussions with healthcare professionals rather than replace them.

Vaccination Perceptions

Vaccination remains a critical area of concern among respondents. Approximately 48% feared stigma associated with vaccination. However, a resounding 92% emphasized the importance of vaccines being accessible to all individuals in need and ensuring that vaccinations remain covered by insurance. About 73% of women claimed to be up-to-date on vaccinations, and half stated they discussed vaccines with healthcare providers over the past year.

Inequities in Cancer Screening

The survey further highlighted disparities in cancer screening awareness and access. While many women are familiar with screenings for breast cancer (85%), colorectal cancer (70%), and cervical cancer (65%), awareness of lung cancer screening is alarmingly low at just 28%. Notably, only 47% of women reported ever having undergone cervical cancer screening, indicating potential disparities in service access, recognition of necessity, or awareness of screening guidelines.

Examining screening rates across racial lines, 50% of white women reported ever having cervical cancer screenings compared to just 43% of women of color. When asked why they had not been screened, the most common responses from women included the belief that screening was unnecessary (26%) and the absence of recommendations from healthcare providers (22%).

Conclusion

The findings from this Ipsos survey highlight the glaring inequalities present in women's healthcare, particularly in the realm of preventive services. Dr. Haywood Brown, an OB/GYN and AWHP board member, stressed the need for continued advocacy to create an environment where all women, especially women of color, can voice their health concerns and access vital health resources. As AWHP continues to push for policies that support early detection and diagnosis, the focus remains on ensuring equitable access to preventive care across all demographics.

This survey serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders in healthcare, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes to overcome barriers that women face in accessing preventive health services.