The New York Times has published an article that explores patients’ aversion to early testing, the upshot being that many sabotage themselves by avoiding a test that could potentially help save their lives.
Psychologists call this phenomenon “health information avoidance.”
Its existence may seem surprising considering the proliferation of health information available on the web.
The article notes that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three patients infected with HIV do not get tested in time to benefit from available treatments.
Researechers are aiming to change patients’ avoidant ways.
The article, “Afraid to Get Tested? Slow Down and Think About It,” is found here.
[Source: The New York Times]
