Health in the Perception of Russians and Real Medical Practices

Abstract

Introduction. Maintaining and strengthening health of the population is a priority national task. Currently, this problem, in the context of changing social reality associated with the pandemic of COVID-19, is gaining special relevance. Previous studies have demonstrated that lifestyle and concern with own health have a major impact on human health status. The objective of our study was to analyze self-rated health status of Russian people and their attitude to health issues, including practical attitude to medical care and self-medication. Methods. The article is based on the results of a sociological research of behavioral practices of the population within self-preservation behavior. The main source of empirical information was the all-Russian sociological survey of the population representing various socio-demographic groups. Results. The study reveals an increase in the positive perception of own health by the population over the past two decades. At the same time, citizens suffer from a wide range of diseases naturally affecting their self-rated health status. The situation is further aggravated by unfavorable social and psychological well-being caused, inter alia, by the pandemic and related challenges. Despite an increasing demand for qualified medical care for diseases, self-medication remains widespread and may have a negative health effect attributed to the uncontrolled drug use practiced by the respondents. Health maintenance practices of the population are largely related to the income and the lack of subspecialists, especially in rural or remote areas. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate the need to improve access to medical care and medical literacy of citizens and to expand incentives for self-preservation and health promotion.