Gaps in the System: Californians Struggle with Caring for Their Chronic Conditions
Lake Research Partners
August 2009
Many Californians live with more than one chronic condition. How is their quality of life? How do they feel about their experiences with the health care system, and in particular, the support and help they need to better manage their conditions? CHCF, in conjunction with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), commissioned Lake Research Partners to conduct a survey among California adults ages 18 and older with chronic conditions.
According to the survey, 40% of adults ages 18 to 34 have two or more chronic conditions. And nearly half of these young adults have delayed health care in the past year because they could not afford it. Latinos with chronic conditions, in particular, are struggling to get proper care, the survey revealed. Nearly half of Latinos with chronic conditions have postponed medical care due to cost. Also, Latinos are among those least likely to get the help and support they need to manage their care.
Survey highlights include:
- One in three Californians with chronic conditions is always or frequently in physical pain. A similar proportion is always or frequently tired and lacking energy.
- Half say they frequently or occasionally wish their doctors had more time to spend talking with them.
- Many say their health care providers have rarely or never told them about local support services such as dieticians, educators, and classes.
- Many indicated interest in obtaining information and support online and at community events.
The complete snapshot is available under Document Downloads below. In addition, two executive summaries are available: one highlighting the particular challenges facing Latino adults with chronic conditions, and the other highlighting low-income adults with chronic conditions.
More information on the national survey is available on the National Council on Aging site through the External Link below.