Individuals who are generally in poor health are more likely to get flu shots and cholesterol checks, but less likely to have mammograms, pap smears, breast exams and prostate checks. Psychological factors such as fear and anxiety may be important reasons why sicker people are less likely to get cancer screens.
These are the findings of Assistant Professor of Economics Stephen Wu whose paper, "Sickness and Preventative Medical Behavior," was published in the July issue of the Journal of Health Economics. Using data from two sources, the Health and Retirement Study conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey conducted by the Agency for Health Research and Quality, he analyzed the relationship between health status and the likelihood of engaging in medical screening and other preventive behavior.
These results have implications for health policy and health care costs. The literature on screening has shown that certain interventions such as invitation appointments, letters and telephone calls are effective at increasing screenings. This may prove useful given some of the anxiety associated with them. Specifically, these efforts aimed at reducing anxiety and increasing screenings should be focused on the kinds of tests, for instance cancer screening, that individuals are most likely to avoid. Less attention should be given to routine procedures such as flu shots and cholesterol checks, which do not seem to cause the same anxiety and avoidance behavior.
Wu received his Ph.D. and master's degree from Princeton University and his bachelor's degree from Brown University. His research focuses on health economics and the economics of aging. He is currently doing research on the relationships between health status, wealth accumulation and portfolio decisions and selection decisions related to health insurance.
