PIF member PAGB, the consumer healthcare association, has released the Self Care Census Report 2024. The report explores trends in self-treatable conditions, consumers’ attitudes towards self-care and how they access health services and information. It is based on data from 4,000 adults in the UK.
The report reveals there is more to be done to promote self care, particularly among younger adults. Only 3 in 10 of 18-24 year olds strongly agreed that they would choose to treat themselves at home or seek advice from a pharmacy rather than visiting the GP or A&E. However, confidence to practice self care did rise with age. More than 7 in 10 adults aged over 65 say they have enough information on self-care treatments. This drops to under 6 in 10 for 18-24 year olds.
There are also disparities among different socioeconomic groups. One third of people from lower income households say they do not have access to enough information on how to self-care.
The PAGB says disparities in self care confidence and access to information support the need for education and awareness. It says more needs to be done to create a supportive environment where everyone can access the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Improving health literacy will also have a much wider impact on an individual's health and wellbeing.
Read the full report via the PAGB website here.