84% People Say Health Awareness Has Increased After Covid-19 Pandemic, Says Survey

The Covid-19 pandemic and its variants afterward have changed the healthcare space. People are becoming more aware and inclined towards fitness, diet, health products, and services, according to a consumer behaviour survey by Aditya Birla Health Insurance

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The covid-19 pandemic has increased health awareness among people, and people are continuing with their health habits which they started during the pandemic days, a consumer behaviour survey by Aditya Birla Health Insurance has revealed.

According to the survey, 84 per cent of the people surveyed across 19 cities said they have an increased awareness of health and wellness issues after the pandemic. However, following an exercise routine, managing diet, and health monitoring remains below expectations.

People have also leveraged technology for their health needs, the survey found. About 60 per cent of respondents used online mode to search for exercise videos, and fitness classes, whereas 75 per cent downloaded diet, nutrition, and exercise-related apps. Interestingly, the exercise regime they adopted during the lockdown became difficult to continue once offices opened. About 60 per cent of people found it difficult to continue their health regime.

According to the survey, the relationship between health and work has increased to an extent that there is a growing awareness among people to seek an employer who provides insurance to cover family medical expenses.

The monetary aspect to health has assumed such importance that more than half of the half of the respondents admitted to having kept some money aside for medical emergencies. Many have also cut down their luxury expenditure to take health insurance instead.

Mayank Bathwal, CEO, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, said: “Due to the pandemic, people are realising the importance of a health-focused lifestyle and are actively seeking avenues that can support this healthy lifestyle – both online and offline. However, as ever, adopting a new habit is a challenge for most, and the need of the hour is to motivate and encourage people to complete the last mile in their health journey.”

The survey further revealed that 87 per cent of respondents were of the opinion that mental health should be covered in health insurance policies.

According to the survey, millennials were the most aware about mental health issues. About one in three (33 per cent) millennials (25-34 age years) surveyed knew of someone who had taken the services of mental health experts. For Gen Z (18-24 years), this number was 22 per cent, signifying that they are more reluctant in talking about their mental issues.

The survey further revealed that people aged 45 years and above were ‘eager to prevent any early sign of ageing’ compared to Gen Z, where 66 per cent thought they do not need to monitor their health statistics, and 21 per cent assumed that their health was within the parameters.

The contrast was also observed in the health habits of different age groups. Those above 45 years preferred to focus on diet, whereas Gen Z, the study found, were more inclined towards an exercise regime.

Women fared better on the choice towards eating healthy than men, according to the survey. About 60 per cent of women adopted a diet plan compared to 45 per cent of men to stay healthy during the pandemic.

According to the survey, nearly half of the people who responded were not prepared financially for medical emergencies. Yet, women were found to be better prepared financially for medical emergencies; 55 per cent of women claimed they have planned for it against only 50 per cent of men. This not only showed the growing participation of women in health and related financial matters, but also highlighted their improving understanding of health insurance and how health expenses could affect the household budget, the survey said.