Every third Norwegian avoids health care

One in three Norwegians have said they fail or postpone seeking health care as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, a new study shows.

33 percent of the 10,000 respondents answered “yes” to the question of whether they have failed or postponed to seek health care as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Of those under 40, four out of ten answered ”yes”, according to analysis agency Opinion, which monitors the effects of the pandemic in Norway.

“It is clear that it is not only older people who stay at home and are anxious about being infected. Younger people also avoid using health services, such as GPs and psychologists,“ said Opinion’s senior adviser Nora Clausen.

More women than men report that they avoid using health services, with 37 per cent and 28 per cent respectively. Of those surveyed, majority of those avoid the use of health services in Oslo (38 per cent).

Health Minister Bent Høie (H) has previously urged Norwegians to continue to contact their GP in the same way as before – especially if one is feeling ill or something is wrong. Clausen also emphasized  that this is important.

“From many teams, it is reported that many cancel and postpone their medical hours. One must remember that cancer does not pause. Others who avoid professional help can risk increasing both mental disorders and physical ailments, especially those with chronic disorders,” she explained.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today