Heart health awareness gap among Indian youth alarming

Team L&M

ICICI Lombard General Insurance, India’s leading private general insurer, today unveiled the 7^th edition of its India Wellness Index 2024, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s health and well-being. This latest study reveals a concerning trend where, despite 89 per cent claiming awareness of heart disease symptoms, only 25 per cent Indians can accurately identify the true symptoms of heart condition. This comprehensive report highlights the growing influence of digital health technologies and the evolving dynamics of wellness across different demographic groups.

ICICI Lombard’s wellness index is based on a holistic framework comprising six pillars of well-being: Physical, Mental, Family, Financial, Workplace, and Social. The extensive survey covered a diverse group of respondents, comprising 69 per cent males and 31% females, aged 18 to 50 years, from NCCS A and B categories. The study spanned 19 cities across India, ensuring a comprehensive representation of urban India’s wellness landscape.

The report emphasises the crucial link between heart health and the six pillars of wellness. Physical wellness, the most significant factor at 58 per cent of overall wellness, plays a vital role in cardiovascular health through proper exercise and diet. Mental wellness, contributing 18 per cent to overall well-being, impacts heart health via stress management. The remaining pillars – financial, social, family, and workplace wellness – all contribute to heart health by influencing lifestyle choices, providing emotional support, and mitigating stress factors.

Talking about the report, Sheena Kapoor, Head – Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR at ICICI Lombard, said, “Our 2024 Wellness Index uncovers critical insights into India’s health landscape. The challenges faced by Millennials in physical health, family dynamics, and financial stability have led to a 3-Point decline in their overall wellness index. The alarming gap in heart health awareness combined with rising stress levels especially among our youth underscore the urgent need for more effective health education. The adoption of health tech offers promising solutions, while corporate wellness challenges demand targeted initiatives. As we mark World Heart Day, these insights along with comprehensive heart health education have brought to fore the need for innovative insurance solutions for health and mental wellbeing. At ICICI Lombard we’re committed to leveraging these findings to develop programs that bridge awareness gaps, promote heart health, and foster overall well-being across generations.”

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY

Heart Health Awareness and Risk Factors
While 84 per cent of Indians are aware of various heart conditions, there is a significant gap in recognising accurate symptoms. Only 40 per cent associate chest pain or discomfort with heart issues, and just 36 per cent recognise shortness of breath as a potential symptom. Moreover, 33 per cent incorrectly believe that irregular sleeping habits are a risk factor for heart disease, highlighting a critical need for targeted education on true cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms.

Corporate India’s Wellness Challenges
Mental wellness among corporate employees stands at 60, significantly lower than the overall population score of 69. Financial wellness for corporate workers is at54, compared to 63 for the general population, highlighting a critical need for workplace wellness initiatives.

Health Tech Adoption Boosts Wellness Scores
The study reveals a significant correlation between health technology usage and overall wellness. Individuals using fitness tracking devices report a wellness score of 72, compared to a score of 54 for non-users. This 18-point difference underscores the positive impact of health tech adoption on personal well-being.

Social Media: The Modern Guide to Wellness
70 per cent of Indians use social media to discuss or learn about wellness, with Instagram (87%) and YouTube (81 per cent) playing pivotal roles.

Mental Health Concerns on the Rise
80 per cent of Indians experience at least one symptom of stress regularly, with women reporting a higher prevalence. Those free from stress or depression symptoms show significantly higher mental and family wellness scores.

Generational Wellness Divide
While Gen X shows improved overall wellness, increasing from 68 per cent to 70 per cent, millennials face challenges with declines in physical, family, and financial wellness. Interestingly, smoking habits are comparable between Gen Z and Gen X, with 26 per cent of Gen Z and Gen X reporting regular smoking.