COVID-19 Battering American's Health Habits

May 7, 2020

Americans are stocking up on prescriptions, wearing masks when they go out, are afraid for their mental health, and some will refuse a COVID-19 vaccine.

American adults are adapting to the requirements of self quarantine. Some new habits are healthier than others. A recent survey by SingleCare of 2049 adults aged ≥18 years asked about health-related habits, concerns about healthcare, and the impact of sheltering in place. Click through the slides for highlights of the results.

New Rx, OTC Habits. Approximately one-third of respondents now pick up prescriptions at a drive-through pharmacy and one-third request up to 90-day supplies. Just about one-quarter report stocking up on non-Rx medications used to treat symptoms of COVID-19.

Stocked up on Staples. Outside of medications, respondents are buying more non-perishable food and extra cleaning supplies as well as ensuring they have extra bottled water, paper products, and hand sanitzer on hand.

Doing More and Doing Less. The majority of adults surveyed are doing the right thing and have upped hand washing behavior. Most are following other official pandemic guidance and maintaining social distance, using hand sanitizer, resisting the urge to touch their faces and wiping down surfaces more often.

Staying Home, Staying Safe if Going Out. About two-thirds acknowledged sheltering in place and wearing a mask if they do go out. Just more than half are limiting visits to stores and close to half say they are wearing gloves.

Some Change Clothes, Others Eschew Cash. One-third of the survey respondents are going so far as to change clothing after they have been out of the house. More than one-quarter avoid using coins and bills, using contactless mobile payments instead.

Worried About Medical Care. Overall, between one-quarter and one-half of US adults express some concern about access to medical supplies, healthcare providers, and medications as well as being able to pay for both treatment and Rx medications.

Emotions Mixed on COVID-19 Vaccine. More than one-third of adults surveyed indicated they do not want to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV2. Of those, 1 in 5 would get the vaccine if it were legally required. More than 1 in 10 of those who say they do not want to recieve the vaccine would not get the vaccine at all.

Healthy Habits are Suffering. Americans are observing official guidance to stay inside but find they are not getting as much physical activity, are eating more, and consuming more alcohol.

Fears for Mental Health. More than one-quarter responded that sheltering in place has made them feel isolated; more than 10% report increased feelings of anxiety and depression.