Factors Associated with Healthcare Avoidance among US Adults: Analyses of the 2019 Healthy Information National Trends Survey

Abstract

Background: Healthcare avoidance represents a significant impediment to health and well-being of individuals and society. Avoidance undermines positive healthcare-seeking and carries significant health and economic consequences including increased morbidity and mortality as well as loss of job or economic productivity. Objective: The current study analyzed factors associated with healthcare avoidance. Methods: Using the 2019 Healthy Information National Trends Survey, we conducted multiple logistic regression to identify factors associated with avoiding doctor’s visit even when deemed necessary. Factors included sociodemographic, economic, access to health care, health care practices and trust to better understand medical care avoidance. Results: Notably, 30.3% of Americans reported healthcare avoidance, and 29% reported “no/little/some trust” in medical information from the doctor. Greater likelihood of healthcare avoidance was observed among those who had less trust in medical information from their doctor, younger, and male. Significant health behavior predictors of healthcare avoidance included current smokers, those who had infrequent visits to health professionals, and those with better self-reported health. Conclusions: By identifying multiple factors that may be associated with healthcare avoidance we can identify individuals at risk for avoidant behaviors and encourage positive health behavior.