More than 4 out of 10 young Koreans between the ages of 19 and 34 have avoided medical visits despite being ill, citing reasons such as busy schedules and concerns over medical expenses. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study conducted by the Korea Youth Policy Institute revealed that more than 4 out of 10 young Koreans between the ages of 19 and 34 have avoided medical visits despite being ill, citing reasons such as busy schedules and concerns over medical expenses.
The survey, which involved 4,000 young individuals, showed that 41.6% had foregone medical treatment in the past year. The primary reason for not visiting hospitals was the lack of time due to busy schedules, accounting for 47.1% of the responses. Financial concerns about medical costs came in second at 33.7%, followed by opting for over-the-counter medication from pharmacies at 9.3%.
The study highlighted that the average expenditure on medical expenses as a proportion of monthly living costs was below 5% for 54% of the respondents. About 40% of the surveyed youths felt burdened by the share of medical expenses in their overall living costs, with 30.9% not feeling a burden.
Interestingly, more than half of the young people had not undergone any health screenings at hospitals, health examination centers, or public health centers in the last year. When asked about the most needed health support policies, 50.6% prioritized the expansion of free health check-ups for those in their 20s and 30s.
The survey also indicated a need for increased government support for youth medical expenses, with 32.8% considering it the most urgent health policy. This was followed by the expansion of mental health counseling and health screenings for young people.
Social isolation among the youth was another concern highlighted by the study. A significant 15.2% reported not having anyone to turn to for help when sick, and even among those who had support, 52.4% had not sought help in the past year. Additionally, 13.2% felt they had no one to rely on emotionally, and 16.4% had not engaged in social activities in the past month.
The prevalence of solitary dining (‘eating alone’) was noted, with 90% having experienced it in the previous month, and 30% reported drinking alone. Furthermore, 57.8% of the respondents felt depressed, and 37.1% had considered suicide.
The researchers recommend enhancing awareness of youth health screenings and devising medical expense support strategies for vulnerable youth groups. They also suggest that tailored health policies considering age, gender, employment status, and region are essential for addressing the unique health needs of young Koreans.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
