Posted on December 13th 2022
PHA UK research has shown a clear correlation between the cost-of-living crisis and declining health in the PH community.
The survey, conducted in October and November 2022, reveals that 33% of people with PH feel their disease symptoms have worsened due to soaring costs.
A third of those prescribed oxygen say they have reduced how much they use due to the costs of electricity, and 94% have reduced how much they use their heating. Of these people, 60% say that feeling cold at home is making their PH symptoms worse.
93% of respondents told us they are worried about the crisis having an impact on their physical health, and 90% are worried about it impacting their mental health.
You can find all of the results in our report, Bearing the burden, here.
Ultimately, the cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone in the UK – but those with pulmonary hypertension are facing a two-fold blow to their finances.
As our 2019 research has already shown, the diagnosis alone results in loss of income for most, regardless of the astronomical price hikes of recent months. This ‘double-whammy’ is causing huge distress to people already coping with a high symptom burden and navigating life with an incurable disease.
Upon analysing the results of our recent survey, we have acted quickly to build this online hub housing advice and guidance around the areas respondents told us matter to them most. We will continue to expand this resource and explore meaningful ways of influencing change.
