More adults avoiding GP visits

Over half of Irish adults are avoiding visiting their GP because of the cost, according to a new study.

The nationwide survey of 1,000 adults, which was commissioned by Quinn-Healthcare, shows that 54 per cent of adults are not attending surgeries due to financial constraints with women and older people among those who are staying away from healthcare centres.

The survey comes shortly after the Irish College of General Practitioners (IAGP) noted a decline in the number of fee-paying patients attending surgeries. The organisation said the fall in patients had financially impacted on its members.

According to the study, 69 per cent of adults wait until they feel ill or experience symptoms before considering going for a health check. Just 20 per cent of adults aged between 25 and 34 years of age; say they would attend surgery without feeling unwell.

In addition, 68 per cent of adults between the ages of 45 and 54 years of age and over half of those aged 55 or more avoid check-ups without first experiencing symptoms.

Females still visit their GP more frequently than males, with over three in five women visiting a general practitioner more than three times a year. Less than half of males said they attend surgery more than three times a year.

"The most surprising finding is that so many older people over the age of 55 don’t get a health check unless they feel ill," said Sarah O’Neill, occupational health advisor with Quinn-healthcare

"Common illnesses in the over 55s range from cardiac conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity to arthritic conditions and many more. Certain cancers such as colon, prostate and breast are also more common in the over 55s so attending a screening programme or the GP on an annual basis for a full health check is an important and proactive way of protecting your health," she added.