Navigating Health Risks: Indonesian Young Adults' Well-being

The rapidly evolving digital and economic landscape has heightened the need for young adults to be more mindful of their health. This article is based on qualitative research conducted by Populix, which explored the health perceptions and risk management strategies among Indonesian young adults (Gen Z and Millennials) from the middle socio-economic class in major cities across Java and Sumatra. The study, which involved six focus group discussions (FGDs), provides valuable insights into how this demographic navigates health concerns. The findings, derived from real data, highlight the perspectives of individuals who are either actively seeking employment or are currently employed but considering career changes due to dissatisfaction with their current job situations.

Health as a Growing Priority

One of the key findings from the research is the increasing awareness among young adults about the importance of maintaining good health. Due to unpredictable weather conditions and the rise of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, respondents are actively adopting healthier lifestyles. This shift includes regular exercise, making better dietary choices, and using supplements like vitamins to boost their immune systems. The focus on health is not merely about preventing illness but also about ensuring that they remain productive and can handle the demands of modern life.

Mental Health Concerns on the Rise

In addition to physical health, mental health has also emerged as a significant concern among the respondents. The study found that many young adults are turning to online platforms for mental health consultations, preferring these over in-person visits to avoid the stigma associated with seeking psychological help. The convenience of digital consultations also plays a role in this preference. This trend underscores the growing recognition of mental well-being as a critical component of overall health, particularly in managing the stress associated with work and personal life.

The Financial and Physical Toll of Illness

The research also highlights the financial and physical risks associated with illness, which are particularly concerning for the older respondents in the study. Many participants acknowledged that health issues could severely impact their personal finances, especially if they are not adequately prepared. This concern is amplified by the potential loss of productivity, which can further strain their economic stability. As a result, there is a strong inclination among the respondents to be more cautious about their health as they age, recognizing that prevention is key to avoiding costly medical treatments in the future.

Proactive health management has become a priority for many young adults. The study reveals that respondents are increasingly engaging in preventive health measures such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and the use of vitamins. This proactive approach is driven by the belief that maintaining good health can help prevent the onset of illness, especially in light of environmental challenges like unpredictable weather and seasonal diseases such as dengue fever.

Aging and Increased Health Risks

There is also a heightened awareness of the risks associated with unhealthy dietary choices, particularly the consumption of sugary drinks and junk food. Respondents recognize the long-term health consequences of these habits, such as diabetes and kidney problems, and express a desire to limit their intake to maintain better health. This awareness contributes to a gradual shift in dietary behaviors as young adults seek to reduce their consumption of harmful substances in favor of healthier alternatives.

As respondents approach or surpass middle age, there is a noticeable increase in health consciousness. The study found that aging is seen as a catalyst for greater vigilance regarding physical and mental well-being. This demographic is particularly concerned about the heightened health risks that come with aging, prompting them to adopt healthier lifestyles to mitigate these risks. The awareness of hereditary health issues, such as chronic illnesses in the family, also plays a role in shaping their health perceptions and motivating them to take preventive measures.

Social and Environmental Influences

The study also sheds light on the social and environmental factors that influence health perceptions among young adults. Respondents noted that their social circles significantly impact their health behaviors. Positive social environments that encourage healthy habits can reinforce a commitment to maintaining good health, while less health-conscious groups may lead to more neglectful practices. Additionally, external stressors such as financial pressures and work-related stress are identified as significant contributors to both physical and mental health issues, highlighting the importance of managing these factors to prevent more severe health problems.

Conclusion and Preview of Upcoming Articles

Finally, the research underscores the economic barriers that young adults face in managing their health. The cost of healthcare and health-related products is a recurring concern among respondents, with many expressing worries over the affordability of private insurance and out-of-pocket expenses for treatments not covered by BPJS. This financial burden often discourages proactive health management, leading to a preference for cost-effective solutions such as utilizing BPJS and other affordable health services. Respondents also tend to prioritize savings and low-cost preventative measures over more expensive health interventions.

The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the health perceptions and risk management strategies of young adults in Indonesia. The research highlights the growing importance of health as a priority, the rise of mental health concerns, and the financial and physical risks associated with illness. It also emphasizes the proactive measures young adults take to maintain their health, the influence of social and environmental factors, and the economic barriers they face in managing their well-being. As these young adults navigate the complexities of modern life, their health perceptions and behaviors will continue to evolve, shaping the future of health management in Indonesia.

As we continue to explore Indonesian consumers’ attitudes toward health risk management, the next article in this series will delve into the role of private insurance as a supplement to the current BPJS services. We will examine how consumers view private insurance in relation to BPJS and their considerations when deciding whether to invest in additional health coverage.

The final article in this series will shift focus to the consumers’ experiences with BPJS, highlighting their satisfaction levels, the challenges they face, and their expectations for improvements in the future. Together, these articles will provide a comprehensive view of how Indonesian consumers navigate health risks in their lives, offering valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and insurers alike. Stay tuned as we continue this important discussion.

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Writer’s bio

Prabu is an experienced qualitative researcher with over 13 years in the consumer research industry. His expertise lies in healthcare and UX research, driven by a passion for understanding and improving the consumer experience. Prabu holds a master’s degree in social psychology of health and is also a cancer survivor. In his free time, he volunteers as a patient advocate and navigator for cancer patients, bringing his professional expertise and personal experience to support others on their healthcare journey.