COMMENTARY
Int J Public Health
Volume 70 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/ijph.2025.1608382
Beyond the Physical: The Mental Health Toll of Delayed Blood Work in Global Health Disparities
- Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan, South Chungcheong, Republic of Korea
Select one of your emails
You have multiple emails registered with Frontiers:
Notify me on publication
Please enter your email address:
If you already have an account, please login
You don't have a Frontiers account ? You can register here
The study reveals alarming disparities in access to blood work, with a staggering percentage of respondents in some countries never having undergone these crucial tests [1]. This disparity is most pronounced in regions burdened by significant disease prevalence, a deeply concerning observation. From a mental health perspective, the anxiety and uncertainty engendered by the inability to access timely diagnostic information cannot be underestimated [2]. The constant worry about one's health status can significantly erode mental well-being, leading to increased anxiety and even depression.Furthermore, the study highlights the vulnerability of individuals with existing medical conditions, who are disproportionately affected by delays in blood work. For those living with chronic illnesses, these delays can exacerbate existing psychological distress [3]. The fear of the unknown, the uncertainty surrounding their health trajectory, and the potential for missed opportunities for early intervention can all contribute to a significant decline in mental well-being. Moreover, delayed diagnoses can lead to more severe health complications, increasing the overall burden on individuals and their families, both financially and emotionally. the significant disparities in access to routine blood testing. While the physical health consequences of 69 these delays are well-documented, the profound impact on mental well-being cannot be ignored. A 70 truly person-centered approach to healthcare must prioritize the integration of physical and mental 71 health services, addressing the complex interplay between these two critical dimensions of human well-72 being. By acknowledging and addressing the profound impact of health inequities on our collective 73 well-being, we can strive to create a more just and equitable healthcare system for all. 74
Keywords: Delayed Blood Work, Mental Health Implications, Healthcare Disparities, Psychological Distress Commentary, Mental well-being
Received: 29 Jan 2025; Accepted: 20 Mar 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Byeon. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Haewon Byeon, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan, 301-746, South Chungcheong, Republic of Korea
Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.