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Which illnesses do people in Switzerland fear most?

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Which illnesses do people in Switzerland fear most?
Most of the respondents are not afraid of Covid-19, study shows. Photo by AFP

It might be reasonable to assume that people in Switzerland would be most afraid of coronavirus due to it being so high on the health agenda this year. But a new study found this is not the case.

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According to a study commissioned by the CSS health insurance company published on Thursday,  the Covid-19 pandemic plays a minor role in people’s perception of health risks.

In fact, only 0.3 percent of those questioned believe that coronavirus is the most serious illness they have known to date.

For the vast majority, the knowledge gained about Covid-19 in a relatively short period of time has enhanced people’s confidence in public health, as well as their perception of personal resilience.

READ MORE: ‘Corona is under control’: Swiss government disputes claims of second coronavirus wave

Overall, 38 percent believe that pandemics pose a significant risk to society. 

On the other hand, for 61 percent of respondents, mental illness is the most feared medical condition because too little is known about this type of disease.

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Other health challenges also appear to be more important to the respondents than Covid-19  — 72 percent said that antibiotic resistance poses a great risk, while 53 percent see the biggest danger in the pollution of drinking water with hormones or pesticides.

So which specific diseases is Switzerland’s population most worried about?

The answer depends on the age group of the respondents. 

Young people said they are most afraid of mental illnesses, injuries and infections.

For older people, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as arthritis and osteoporosis are the most worrisome medical conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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