Millions of Americans With Chronic Ills Put Off Health Care

Related Encyclopedia • Addison's Disease • Alzheimer's Disease • Aneurysms • Angina Pectoris More... Related Healthscout Videos Icy Treatments Revive the Dead No Pain Heart Health Taking Steps After a Stroke Opening Doors to a Sickle Cell Cure More... Related Animations • Alzheimer's Disease Video Animation • Angioplasty • Animation: What is Hypertension? • Asthma More... Related Drug Information • Accupril • Actonel • Actos • Advair Diskus More... Related News Articles • Years of Exposure to Traffic Pollution Raises Blood Pressure • Identifying Older Drivers at Risk of Crashes • Alcohol Influences How Memorable Trauma Might Be • Increasing Soda Consumption Fuels Rise in Diabetes, Heart Disease More...

Page:  << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>

"Nearly 133 million people in the U.S. have chronic conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The medical care costs of people with chronic diseases account for more than 75 percent of the nation's $2 trillion in medical costs," said James Firman, president and CEO of the National Council on Aging at a Wednesday teleconference. "Despite all we're spending, the quality of chronic care is not particularly good. Forty-four percent of patients do not receive recommended care.

"If you think it's bad today, as the nation ages dramatically, so will our chronic needs," Firman added. "Often missing is the voice of those suffering from chronic conditions."

Text Continues Below

---

Here are the high points of the new poll, which surveyed 1,109 Americans aged 44 and over, each of whom suffered from at least one chronic health problem, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, asthma or depression:

• Sixty-eight percent of respondents had at least two chronic conditions, while 20 percent had four or more.
• Not surprisingly, those with one chronic condition reported being healthier and having more resources, both financial and social, than those with more health problems.
• One-quarter of respondents said they had delayed getting health care or neglected filling a prescription because of financial concerns. This problem seemed to be more pronounced among Latinos (43 percent) and Baby Boomer women (39 percent).
• Low-income individuals were more likely to delay care, but also 22 percent of individuals with household incomes of $50,000 or more having made such a decision.
• Those who have put off care suffer the consequences: 45 percent are "always" or "frequently" in pain (vs. 28 percent of those who sought prompt care), while 49 percent were always or frequently tired (vs. 28 percent of their counterparts) and 40 percent were stressed (vs. 17 percent of those getting care).
• In general, about one-third of respondents were "always" or "frequently" in physical pain. Those with multiple chronic conditions were more likely to report being in pain.
• Half felt depressed and angry as a result of their health conditions.
• Thirteen percent said health care providers "rarely" refer them to supportive services, while 32 percent said providers "never" do so. Among individuals aged 75 and older, 56 percent said their providers "rarely" or "never" refer them to support services.
• Being chronically ill also left many Americans feeling isolated: 39 percent reported not getting the help and support they need to cope; many have had to cut back on social activities and also experience stress in their family relationships.
• One-quarter of those with jobs reported having had to miss work due to health concerns.

Page:  << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>