Health exclusion affects more than three in five people globally

• Phase two of Economist Impact’s Health Inclusivity Index, supported by Haleon, measures experience of health inclusion across 42,000 people in 40 countries
  
  
• Health inclusivity scores fall worldwide with addition of lived experience data, exposing glaring policy-practice gap in wealthy countries
  
  
• 66% of survey respondents experience barriers to health inclusion, with the most vulnerable worst affected
  
  
• Index reveals stark generational divide with Gen Z and Millennials experiencing greater barriers to access and higher levels of discrimination
  
  

LONDON, Nov. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than three in five people worldwide experience health exclusion, with vulnerable and younger populations the worst affected, according to phase two of the global Health Inclusivity Index from Economist Impact, supported by consumer health company Haleon.

This year’s study – which measures the extent and experience of health inclusion across 40 countries and 42,000 people – revealed that 66% of those surveyed face at least one barrier in accessing healthcare services. Lack of available appointments; inconvenient hours; distance and cost of travel; and lack of trust in healthcare services were the most widely reported barriers. Alarmingly, the Index also revealed that one in five people worldwide (20%) lack access to mental health services in their community, while 17% lack access to sexual health services.

The study suggests that younger generations face particular issues, with almost half of Gen Z (45%) stating their quality of care has been compromised as a result of their age, health status, or other personal factors, compared with 19% of Baby Boomers. Almost a third of Gen Z (28%) and Millennials (32%) report that their pain or health conditions are not taken seriously by healthcare professionals. While almost a quarter of Gen Z (21%) and Millennials (22%) report they’ve been completely denied access to healthcare, compared with just 8% of Baby Boomers.

Besides appointment hours and availability, together with distance and cost to travel, Gen Z are the most likely to cite lack of trust in healthcare providers and fear of discrimination as major obstacles when seeking healthcare services. 44% of Gen Z also cited social media as a trusted source of health information and advice – the highest proportion amongst all generations surveyed.