Delaying or avoiding medical care due to the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Delaying or avoiding medical treatment is a common and possibly dangerous consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain demographic, medical or social groups were found reporting higher rates of avoiding medical care. Patients should be specifically targeted in advertising and interactions that encourage people to return to their previous behavior concerning their health maintenance. Technology advances, especially telemedicine, should be implemented widely to overcome pandemic fears and provide a new platform for treating patients in this complex era. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)