Too much information, uncertainty and financial worries are hitting Americans when it comes to making important choices for their health.
That’s according to a new survey involving 4,000 U.S. adults undertaken by Kantar on behalf of Abbott. Besides zeroing in on those common concerns, the research also touched on the topic of chronic disease—a rising challenge for many individuals.
The resulting report concludes that 65% of respondents have delayed or avoided doing something for their health because it felt “too overwhelming or expensive,” while just under half (46%) said health guidance is confusing to follow.
Of those, 58% “point to conflicting advice from different sources,” according to the report, while another 61% believe “they should be doing more for their health.”
The findings also showed that while 74% of U.S. adults believe most chronic diseases are preventable, only 1 in 4 feel “very confident” in knowing how to care for their health.
Abbott markets several nutritional products, as well as selling diagnostics and diabetes care treatments.
The survey also showed that while Millennials feel the healthiest, half fear developing chronic disease—more than any other generation.
Drilling down into a younger population, the survey said 69% of Gen Z respondents “have used a health tracker or app in the last 12 months.” A whopping 93% report a “positive change in health habits” as a result.
“Healthy living shouldn’t feel like a full-time job,” Dominique Williams, M.D., Nutrition Medical Director at Abbott, said in an April 9 release.
“The data shows people are overwhelmed and unsure how to act, but the good news is the basics still work. Simple, consistent habits around movement, nutrition and preventive care can make a difference.”
