Title: Fears and Concerns: What Ails Germans Most?
In the ever-evolving landscape of health concerns, a recent survey has shed light on the top fears that plague Germans. Cancer and dementia continue to hold their ground as the most dreaded diseases, albeit with a descent in fear levels. The revelation comes from a survey conducted by DAK-Gesundheit, a health insurance company, which interviewed a diverse group of 1003 individuals aged 14 and above across Germany from October 30 to November 2.
As per the findings, cancer remains the grave concern of 65% of the population, a decrease from the previous year's 72%. Dementia and Alzheimer's, on the other hand, have climbed the fear ladder to become the major concerns for 45% of individuals, marking a decline from the 2022 survey's 55%.
Notably, the survey highlights that mental health issues are a significant concern among young adults. Fears of mental illnesses such as depression and burnout are rife, with 48% of 14-29-year-olds sharing their apprehensions. Andreas Storm, the head of the health insurance fund, underscored the importance of addressing these concerns, assuring that young people should not bear their burdens alone.
Besides cancer and dementia, other major health fears include accidents leading to severe injuries, stroke, and heart attack. The number of mentions for these issues was also lower than in the preceding year. Interestingly, the fear of coronavirus has dwindled, with only 10% expressing concern, down from 18% in the 2022 survey.
The survey results underscore the fact that cancer and dementia remain the most dreaded diseases in Germany. However, it also highlights other notable health concerns that require attention. The survey serves as a reminder to prioritize comprehensive health care and mental well-being, ensuring no individual group is overlooked.
Relevant Insights:
Mental health issues are a growing concern worldwide, particularly during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. A scoping review on outpatient psychotherapeutic care for children and adolescents in Germany indicates a high prevalence of mental health problems. The review emphasizes the importance of systematic and standardized assessments of child and adolescent mental health to address the insufficient access to psychotherapeutic care[1].
Further Reading:
[1] Schreier, J., Salzer, U., & Kremen, F. (2018). Outpatient Psychotherapeutic Care for Children and Adolescents in Germany: A Systematic Literature Review. In: Springer International Handbooks of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (pp. 1–32). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
