The economic downturn has become a health hazard for Canadians, as many people are suffering health decline and some skipping medical treatments because of financial worries, according to a study released Monday.
The ninth annual National Report Card on Health Care in Canada found 52 percent of Canadians are worried about their health compared to 57 percent who are worried about their financial security and 27 percent who are worried about losing their jobs.
"This year, the (Canadian Medical Association's) report card shows that these tough economic times could also be a serious health hazard for Canadians," said Dr. Robert Ouellet, president of the Canadian Medical Association, which Commissioned the study.
"There is a mistaken impression that health care is somehow insulated from today's harsh economic reality. Our polling results show that's just not the case."
The poll finds that 40 percent Canadians felt stressed and/or overwhelmed by financial concerns. Among those who earn less than 30,000 Canadian dollars (about 27,000 U. S. dollars) that number rises to 51 percent.
Twenty-five percent said they have delayed or canceled a dentist appointment as a result of financial worries. The figure is 34 percent among Canadians who earn less than 30,000 Canadian dollars.
Sixteen percent said they skip meals to save money, with the figure rising to 28 percent in the lowest income bracket.
Twenty-three percent said they are losing sleep over economic worries, with the figure rising to 33 percent among those without a university degree.
Fourteen percent said they had delayed or stopped buying their prescription medications because money was tight.
When asked to rate their own health, 41 percent said their health was either excellent or very good. Another 38 percent said their health is good, while 20 percent rated their health as either fair or poor.
The survey on 1,002 Canadians was conducted by telephone and on- line between June and July.