A new Ipsos survey commissioned by the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention (AWHP) reveals a concerning gap in women’s preventive healthcare, with 42% of American women forgoing essential services in the past year. The comprehensive study, which surveyed 3,199 women aged 18 and older, highlights critical barriers to care and emerging trends in how women access health information.
Access and Affordability Barriers
The study found that women skip preventive care for various reasons: 29% didn’t feel the need, 22% couldn’t afford out-of-pocket costs, and 19% cited work, school, or childcare obligations. More concerning, those missing preventive care are more likely to have family histories of cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions, and obesity.
“Affordability and informational barriers continue to hinder women’s preventive healthcare—including vaccines, screenings, and routine check-ups,” said Millicent Gorham, CEO of AWHP. “We must do more to support accessible and affordable preventive healthcare for all women—regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code.”
Digital Health Information and Social Media
While healthcare providers remain the primary source of health information for 66% of women, social media plays an increasingly significant role. The survey found that 39% of women consider social media a valuable resource for health information and peer support. Notably, 24% of women under 50 view health influencers as equally reliable as healthcare providers.
“Social media is a valuable tool for sharing healthcare resources and building communities among individuals with shared experiences, however, it’s important that women continue to talk with their provider about what is best for their unique needs and circumstances,” said Dr. Cheruba Prabakar, board-certified OBGYN and AWHP Advisory Council member.
Racial Disparities in Care
The study revealed significant disparities in care across racial groups. Only 43% of women of color reported receiving cervical cancer screening in their lifetime, compared to 50% of white women. Vaccination rates also showed disparities, with only 42% of Black women and 46% of Hispanic women receiving vaccines in the past year, compared to 55% of white women.
“This research reinforces the inequities we know are prevalent in healthcare and particularly in women’s health,” said Dr. Haywood Brown, board-certified OBGYN and AWHP Board member. “Black women are more likely to die from breast and cervical cancers, despite advancements in screenings, and we must continue working to create an environment where all women—and especially women of color—are heard while providing them with the valuable information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.”
