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February 2023 - Health

Women from lower income households less likely to call GP than higher-income counterparts: A survey of women designed to learn more about the health and wellbeing of girls around the world has found that women from higher-income households are more likely to go to see a GP and be generally more informed when it comes to health and healthcare.

Indeed the survey of 10,650 women by Hologic found that while two-thirds of UK women are currently experiencing symptoms of a physical medical condition, just two in five who live in a household with a combined household income of £25,000 per year are likely to phone their GP about their health issues, compared to nearly half (46%) who have a combined income of £40,000.

Preventative checks

While just 5% of women from higher income households have not had health checks for conditions such as high blood pressure or cervical cancer, this extends to one in 10 women from lower-earning households -- that's 15% of the women polled not taking up offers of preventative healthcare.

The research also found that lower-earning women were more likely to leave a job because of regular pain such as back or joint pain. Three in 10 low-earning women who were experiencing pain on a daily basis have taken a step back from work, compared to just 10% of high-income households.

Also revealed by the survey was that women earning lower incomes are not as health aware and are less able to talk to, and understand healthcare professionals (72% versus 81% of higher-earning households), with those on lower incomes also more likely to be unaware of where to access health information (79% versus 89% of higher income households). 

While three-quarters of respondents from lower income households said they have enough information to lead a healthy life, this was far lower than the 88% of higher-earning women. 

Tim Simpson, general manager, Hologic UK & Ireland, said: “Your level of wealth shouldn’t impact your access to diagnosis and treatment, but the new research shows it does.

“Women are the cornerstone of families, communities, and economies, and more must be done to tackle the stark health inequalities they face across the UK.”

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