Recession deters people from visiting doctor

14% of all adults and 20% of unemployed cannot afford the same level of medical care they did befor

ALMOST one in four people admitted they are more reluctant to visit a health care professional due to the cost and the effects of the recession, according to a new survey.
And one in five unemployed people have cut back on visits to the doctor and prescription medicines.
Recently-unemployed people also suffer significantly from loss of self-esteem, leading to family conflict and physical and mental ill health, including depression.
The 2009 Health Index, commissioned by pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, revealed that 14% of all adults and 20% of unemployed cannot afford the same level of medical care they did before.
More than 1,000 people were surveyed on their health and well-being.