A recent global survey conducted by Ipsos has revealed that mental health has now surpassed cancer and obesity as the primary health concern for Britons. The findings highlight a significant shift in public perception, reflecting the increasing anxiety surrounding mental well-being in light of recent societal challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing cost of living crisis, and heightened awareness of male violence against women.
The Shift in Health Concerns
When the Ipsos survey first launched in 2018, mental health, cancer, and obesity were all identified by an equal proportion of British respondents—50%—as significant health issues. However, the latest results show that 54% of individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales now regard mental health as a pressing concern. In contrast, obesity was mentioned by only 36% of respondents, while concern about cancer has declined to 49%, despite a record number of diagnoses being reported.
Globally, the prioritization of mental well-being has seen even more dramatic changes. The percentage of respondents across 31 countries identifying mental health as a pressing issue has risen from 27% in 2018 to 45% now. Conversely, concerns about cancer have decreased significantly, dropping from 52% to 38%, and mentions of obesity have also declined from 33% to 26%.
Factors Contributing to the Change
Experts attribute this shift to a variety of factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major catalyst, exacerbating existing mental health issues and highlighting the need for increased support and awareness. Additionally, the cost of living crisis and incidents of male violence have contributed to a heightened public concern for mental health.
Ipsos noted that these trends reflect a “fundamental shift in attitudes toward mental health” since 2018. They suggest that the pandemic may have had one of its most significant long-term effects on public health by altering perceptions around mental well-being. There has also been a marked increase in the proportion of individuals identifying stress as a significant health concern, rising from 12% to 17% in Britain and from 25% to 31% globally.
Demographic Disparities
The survey further reveals notable disparities in perceptions of mental health based on gender and age. Women are more likely than men to cite mental health as a significant concern, with 51% of women globally identifying it as such compared to 40% of men. Additionally, younger respondents are more likely to express concerns over mental health than older generations, who tend to prioritize cancer more.
Andy Bell, Chief Executive of the Centre for Mental Health, explained that the increased anxiety around mental health is not surprising given the ongoing deterioration of the nation’s mental health over the past decade. He noted that rates of mental ill-health and referrals to mental health services have been steadily rising, with over a million people in England currently on waiting lists for NHS mental health care.
The Declining Priority of Cancer
The decline in public concern regarding cancer is surprising to many. This trend might be attributed to growing confidence in advancements in cancer treatment and survival rates. As Naser Turabi, Cancer Research UK’s Director of Evidence and Implementation, noted, “Thanks to decades of research into diagnosis and treatment, cancer survival in the UK has doubled over the last 50 years.” However, he emphasized that cancer remains a critical health issue, affecting nearly one in two people during their lifetime.
Conclusion
The Ipsos survey illustrates a profound transformation in the health concerns of Britons, with mental health now recognized as the most pressing issue. This shift underscores the urgent need for continued dialogue and action to address mental well-being, particularly as public awareness grows. The insights from this survey will be crucial for policymakers and health organizations as they strive to prioritize mental health resources and support systems in the evolving landscape of public health.
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