BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Feb. 2,
2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna's (NYSE:CI) International Markets
business has published its fourth COVID-19 Global Impact
Study. This series, which builds on Cigna's annual 360
Well-being Study, provides further insight into the global impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's well-being in 11 markets
around the globe.
Cigna engaged more than 23,000 people across Mainland China, Hong
Kong, South Korea,
New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United
Arab Emirates, United
Kingdom and the United
States between January and October
2020, to show the changes in attitudes during the
pandemic.
Uncertainty about the future is the greatest cause of
stress
The latest survey data shows that after months of
pandemic-related restrictions, periodic stay-at-home orders,
changing restrictions on travel and social gatherings, and multiple
waves of infection, people worldwide have become even more
concerned about the future. According to the study, almost half of
global respondents said concern for the future is their greatest
cause of stress.
Another common area of stress is the balance between work life
and family life. More than 40% of respondents reported low
well-being scores and high stress levels in both of these areas,
with 14% saying their level of stress is currently
unmanageable.
"The increased levels of self-reported unmanageable stress are
concerning, with stress often adversely impacting a person's
overall physical health and well-being," said Cigna Global Employer
Health, Americas CEO, Ann
Asbaty. "Access to fully integrated wellness programs
and well-being solutions can have a positive impact on managing
whole person health. In 2020, Cigna's International Employer
Assistance Program saw a 33% increase in utilization, with a 53%
increase in visits to the website alone, compared to 2019."
U.S. remains upbeat despite global declines
While perceived well-being declined worldwide, in the U.S. it
was a more positive picture, with the well-being index improving by
a remarkable 2.6 points. Respondents reported significant
improvements in their feelings of health and well-being.
While previous Pulse Study results showed a similar overall view
on the impact of COVID-19, this report highlights the varying
changes in global perception. Global regions are adapting to the
new landscape differently, and these differences are influencing
the views and emotional responses of people in these
geographies.
Continued interest in virtual health
The latest study results show a more lasting shift in how people
manage their health. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed indicated
they now care more about the health care services they have access
to, and 30% say they have changed their approach to managing their
mental health. Supporting that outlook, the study finds widespread
use of virtual health services, initially driven by the need to
socially distance due to COVID-19, will outlast the pandemic.
Nearly three in five respondents (59%) said they are likely to
continue using virtual health services if given the option.
Additionally, 29% of respondents now view virtual health as their
preferred health service option.
The three most commonly preferred aspects of virtual health were
unchanged from the previous survey of global populations conducted
in August - generic health support, prescription delivery, and
mental health support.
"The fact that so many have transitioned seamlessly to using
virtual care bodes well for the ongoing adoption of solutions that
provide greater access to care beyond the pandemic," noted Asbaty.
"By offering consumers alternative ways to experience the health
care industry we have an opportunity to enhance not only access,
but consumers' overall whole person health."
For more information about the Cigna Global Impact Study, and to
read the full results,
visit https://www.cignaglobalhealth.com/na/en/knowledge/covid-19-global-impact-study.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation is a global health service company dedicated
to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we
serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability and
access to quality care through integrated capabilities and
connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health.
All products and services are provided exclusively by or through
operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health
and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance
Company, Evernorth companies or their affiliates and Express
Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services
include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical,
dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits
and other related products.
Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and
jurisdictions, and has more than 170 million customer relationships
around the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including
links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter,
visit www.cigna.com.
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SOURCE Cigna