KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.,
March 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/
-- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), one of the
nation's largest and most respected providers of acute and
behavioral health services, recently commissioned a national survey
assessing Americans' views and perceptions on mental health
conditions, prevalence and treatment barriers. Major findings
include:
- Widespread agreement (71.1%) that mental and physical health
should be viewed as equally important with the top four specific
conditions cited as most concerning being cancer, depression,
anxiety and heart disease.
- Nearly all respondents (96.8%) stated that mental health
conditions represent legitimate medical illnesses and, like chronic
physical disorders, can be effectively treated and managed
(94.4%).
- Over 60% of respondents aged 44 and younger (and 69.4% among
18-24 year olds) have suffered from, or care about someone that
suffered from, mental illness in the past 12 months. This
percentage decreases as age increases (20% among 65+).
- Clear majorities reported knowing where to turn for mental
health support (70.7%), and stating that they would voluntarily see
a mental health professional to get help (72.8%).
- Significant pluralities (48.8%) stated that individuals
diagnosed with some form of mental illness are still treated
differently than individuals with physical illnesses because people
generally don't understand mental illness.
- Nearly 55% of respondents identified cost and insurance
coverage limitations as the main impediments to mental health
treatment, with 25% citing embarrassment and stigma. Among
respondents who stated they would voluntarily seek help,
approximately 1 in 4 cited lack of access as the primary reason
they would not pursue such care.
- Approximately 1 in 4 respondents did not believe depression,
anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, or autism were a form of
mental illness.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8493951-uhs-americans-perceptions-of-mental-health-poll/
"The results of this survey reveal numerous valuable insights on
the American public's beliefs about mental health," said
Karen E. Johnson, Senior Vice
President, Clinical Services and Division Compliance Officer,
Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services. "Specifically, our
data indicate that mental health is increasingly viewed as critical
to overall health and wellbeing, equal to or even superseding
physical health concerns. We must remove existing barriers to
treatment, including those related to access, insurance coverage
and cost, as well as stigma and stereotypes that continue to
prevent individuals from receiving the care they need."
"This study highlights that Americans recognize that mental
health conditions are prevalent, that mental health conditions are
as important as physical conditions, and that patients with mental
health conditions can respond well to treatment. However,
barriers to care – such as stigma associated with mental health –
still exist and need to be addressed," said Jeffrey S. Akman, MD, vice president for health
affairs, dean of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and
associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.
"Research studies in this area will give us a better understanding
of how the citizens of our country view mental health conditions.
More research will also help to improve access to quality mental
health care and reduce the overall burden of mental health
conditions in the United
States."
Methodology:
This survey was conducted on behalf of
UHS by Research Now in November 2018
using a web-based survey instrument from a demographically
representative sample of 1,015 U.S. adults, authenticated to allow
one user to complete per IP address. Survey methodology was vetted
and approved by Research Now to ensure data and outcomes were
considered valid according to research industry norms and
practices.
About Universal Health Services, Inc.
One of the
nation's largest and most respected hospital companies, Universal
Health Services, Inc. ("UHS") has built an impressive record of
achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception
into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, UHS today has annual
revenue exceeding $10.7 billion. In
2019, UHS was again recognized as one of the World's Most Admired
Companies by Fortune; in 2018, ranked #268 on the Fortune
500; and in 2017, listed #275 in Forbes inaugural ranking of
America's Top 500 Public Companies.
Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was 40
years ago, enabling us to provide compassionate care to our
patients and their loved ones: Build or acquire high quality
hospitals in rapidly growing markets, invest in the people and
equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and become the
leading healthcare provider in each community we serve.
Headquartered in King of Prussia,
PA, UHS has more than 87,000 employees and through its
subsidiaries operates 350 inpatient acute care hospitals and
behavioral health facilities and 30 outpatient and other facilities
located in 37 states, Washington,
D.C., Puerto Rico and the
United Kingdom. For additional
information on the Company, visit our web site:
http://www.uhsinc.com.
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SOURCE Universal Health Services