ICICI Lombard’s 7th Wellness Index Reveals Gaps In Heart Health Awareness Among Indian Youth

ICICI Lombard General Insurance has released the 7th edition of its India Wellness Index 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of the nation’s health and well-being. 

In a press statement on Tuesday, the insurance company informed that the report reveals a worrying gap in heart health awareness, with only 25 per cent of Indians accurately identifying the symptoms of heart conditions, despite 89 per cent claiming general awareness of heart diseases.

The report, which surveyed a diverse demographic across 19 cities, highlights the critical link between heart health and overall wellness. ICICI Lombard's Wellness Index is based on six pillars: Physical, Mental, Family, Financial, Workplace, and Social well-being. Of these, physical wellness, which accounts for 58 per cent of overall wellness, plays the most significant role in heart health. The survey included respondents aged 18 to 50, with 69 per cent males and 31 per cent females, and underscored the growing role of digital health technologies in improving well-being.

According to Sheena Kapoor, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR at ICICI Lombard, the index offers crucial insights into the country’s evolving wellness landscape. "The alarming gap in heart health awareness, combined with rising stress levels among youth, highlights the urgent need for effective health education. The adoption of health technology provides promising solutions, but corporate wellness challenges require targeted interventions. At ICICI Lombard, we are committed to developing innovative programs to bridge awareness gaps and promote heart health across generations," Kapoor said.

Major Highlights of The Report

Heart Health Awareness and Risk Factors
Although 84 per cent of Indians claim to be aware of heart conditions, only 40 per cent correctly associate chest pain or discomfort with heart disease, and just 36 per cent recognise shortness of breath as a symptom. Alarmingly, 33 per cent incorrectly believe irregular sleep habits are a heart disease risk factor, showing the need for better education on cardiovascular health.

Corporate India’s Wellness Challenges
The study highlights lower wellness scores among corporate employees compared to the general population. Mental wellness among corporate employees stands at 60, compared to 69 for the overall population. Financial wellness for corporate workers is also significantly lower at 54, compared to 63 for others, highlighting the importance of workplace wellness programs.

Health Tech Adoption and Wellness
There is a marked difference in wellness scores between those using health technology and those who do not. Individuals using fitness tracking devices reported a wellness score of 72, while non-users scored only 54. This 18-point difference underscores the positive impact of health technology adoption on personal well-being.

Social Media and Wellness
Social media is emerging as a popular platform for health discussions, with 70 per cent of Indians using platforms like Instagram (87 per cent) and YouTube (81 per cent) to learn and share wellness tips. This trend indicates the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping health and wellness behaviours.

Mental Health and Stress
The report reveals that 80 per cent of Indians experience at least one symptom of stress regularly, with women reporting higher stress levels than men. Individuals free from stress and depression symptoms showed significantly higher mental and family wellness scores, indicating the strong link between mental health and overall well-being.

Generational Wellness Divide
The study points to a widening generational divide in wellness scores. While Gen X has seen an improvement in overall wellness, rising from 68 to 70, millennials are facing declines in physical, family, and financial wellness. Smoking rates remain comparable between Gen Z and Gen X, with 26 per cent of each group reporting regular smoking.