Research has found that the public in the UK consider a wide variety of health concerns taboo – with many still believing that there is considerable work to be done to destigmatise them
However, it appears that people are becoming more comfortable discussing issues such as prostate cancer, eating disorders and mental health compared to five years ago.
Increased awareness, understanding and media coverage were identified as key factors in destigmatising these health topics. Some also believe that celebrities opening up about their health struggles helps normalise these issues in the public eye.
A spokesperson for OnePoll, the research agency that conducted the study involving 2,500 adults, stated: “We know that open and honest conversations about health are vital to ensuring that individuals have the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves. Our research shows that the public in the UK considers a wide variety of health concerns taboo and that there is considerable work to be done to fully destigmatise the full range of health concerns cited.”
The survey further revealed that other health issues now more commonly discussed include erectile dysfunction (24%) and fertility issues (20%).
However, less than six out of 10 (59%) would feel at ease discussing a personal health issue, even with a trained medical professional. Yet, 43% would be willing to confide in close friends, and just over half (52%) would do so with their partner.
Other subjects considered ‘taboo’ in modern society by Brits include discussions around libido and sexual performance (35%) and urinary incontinence (20%).
However, of those who believe that the dialogue around health issues is improving, 53% think society as a whole is more open now.
Nearly half (48%) believe that access to online information is crucial in getting people to discuss issues that affect them. Just under eight out of ten (78%) believe it’s very important to break the silence around health taboos.
In the last two years, 37% have seen someone having an open and honest conversation about these previously little-discussed topics.
A spokesperson for OnePoll said: “There is clearly a societal desire to see the silence around health taboos broken down and the research shows that people are feeling more empowered to discuss certain health topics.”
“The research also identified that discussions surrounding mental health have been the most successful to date in becoming a health topic that is now far more understood, discussed and supported across the UK.”
Gareth Lucy, communications director UK & ROI for health and hygiene company Essity, highlighted further steps that need to be taken to continue to destigmatise harmful health taboos.
He stated: “As a collective society we’ve got better at talking about the importance of discussing our health. Concerns that might previously have been hidden away for fear of the stigma attached to them, are now being discussed more openly in general.”
“But saying it’s important to talk and individuals actually talking about their health are two different things. What we need to do now is get better at facilitating these conversations and creating safe environments for individuals to open up.”
“Secure online communities, less censorship on social media and easier access to healthcare professionals would all help create opportunities for individuals to talk and seek advice.”
Here are the top 20 health issues that are discussed more now than five years ago:
- Mental Health/neurological.
- Prostate cancer.
- Obesity/overweight.
- Eating disorders.
- Erectile disfunction.
- Testicular cancer.
- Fertility.
- Sexual health (e.g. , STI).
- Endometriosis.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Hair loss.
- Sexual performance (e.g. , low libido).
- Body dysmorphia.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea).
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Constipation.
- Vaginal infections, e.g. , bacterial vaginosis.
- Low sperm count.
