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Women's Health: Survey Highlights Illnesses, Care and Prevention

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation recently published their Women's Health Care Chartbook--Key Findings from the Women's Health Survey. This report provides a snap shot of women's health in the U.S. Chapters in the Chartbook cover a Profile of Women's Health, Health Coverage, Delivery System, Prevention and Screening, Access and Affordability and Work, Family and Caregiving.
Here are some of the highlights from the report:
The most common chronic health conditions reported by women in the survey include: arthritis 22%, hypertension 22%, high cholesterol 20%, obesity 16%, asthma/other respiratory disorder 15%, thyroid disorders 11%, diabetes 9%, and heart disease 5%.

Depression and anxiety problems are common. Twenty six percent of women in the survey report being diagnosed with depression or anxiety in the past five years by a physician. Depression and anxiety diagnosis is highest in women between 45 and 64, white women and women at less than 200% of the poverty income level.
The leading causes of self-reported stress by women include: financial concerns 26%, job/career 23%, health problems of family member 16% and managing own health needs 13%.
Rates of not having health insurance for at least the past four years rose to 27% of all women in 2008 compared to 20% in 2004.
Use of mental health care in the last year was endorsed by 12% of all women in the survey. This rate increased to 21% in those who reported their health status as fair or poor.
Seventy five percent of women reported receiving a mammogram in the past two years. Pap smear, blood pressure screening and blood cholesterol screening were also reported by a majority of women. However, only 40% of women over age 50 reported receiving colon cancer screening in the last two years.
Women commonly reported delaying or going without care due to a variety of reasons. The most commonly reported reasons for delaying or going without care were: couldn't find the time 23%, couldn't take time off work 18%, no insurance 15%, child care problems 13%, and no doctor 13%.
A significant number of women (19%) spend 40 or more hours per week providing care for a sick or disabled family member. Thirty two percent of women report they feel a lot of stress from their caregiving responsibilities.
This report is a great source of information about the most recent data on women's health and health care needs. 

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