Findings show there is a massive gap for low-income families who care for individuals who need diapers and incontinence products, with more than two-thirds of respondents revealing they cannot afford to purchase the necessary items on a weekly basis.
ASHEVILLE, N.C., July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Aeroflow Urology, a nationwide provider of continence care supplies through insurance, announced today the results of a proprietary survey that demonstrates the divide in affordability for diapers and other incontinence products for low-income families in the United States.
While legislation has been slowly passing in some states to improve access to diapers by removing taxation and other barriers, many Americans still struggle daily to afford these essential items for both children and adults. To gain a better understanding of the current gaps in affordability around diapers and the repercussions for those who cannot access these items, Aeroflow Urology conducted a third-party administered survey in April 2023 that polled more than 1,200 Americans with a single household income of $25,000 or double household income of $50,000 or less who care for someone needing diapers or incontinence supplies (i.e. kids, children and adults with disabilities, elderly, etc.).
Notable survey results include:
- More than 70% of respondents have not been able to afford diapers, while 72% continuously struggle to buy products due to affordability.
- Two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed admitted that they have had to choose between buying diapers and other necessities such as food, electricity, etc. on a frequent basis.
- Approximately 40% of respondents stated they have had to reuse products for an extended period of time because they could not afford to buy new diapers.
- Almost half (48%) of those surveyed admitted they have had to limit fluid intake for their family members.
- 53% stated they have had to miss out on important events because they could not afford diapers for the occasion.
- More than a third (43%) of respondents shared they have experienced a more severe complication because they did not have enough products to properly handle their incontinence, with 70% stating those complications involved an infection, UTI, increased incontinence or skin irritation.
When asked about her experience with trying to provide diapers for her daughter, Larissa R., a patient of Aeroflow Urology stated "if we had only $5 for gas or diapers we tried to put our daughter first, and my husband would beg and ask strangers for gas or cash. Some nights, I had to put a sock in Melody's pants to help with incontinence until the next day when we could get money." Another patient of Aeroflow Urology, Riley L., shared "Our daughter had issues with potty training long before any of her diagnoses (autism and epilepsy). In the end of 2021, we got kicked out of our home and were practically homeless, jumping from place to place. Money was so tight we had to discuss whether or not we'd skip meals or diapers. We chose meals."
The survey results also detail the consequences of not being able to afford diapers and the lack of assistance available for families by healthcare organizations. Two-thirds of respondents admitted their mental health has been negatively impacted by needing diapers or caring for someone with incontinence, with 40% stating their stress and anxiety levels have increased. Despite the struggle respondents have experienced, 60% have shared that their healthcare provider has not provided any assistance in acquiring products, while almost 80% wish there were more resources available to help them navigate caring and supplying products for someone with these issues.
"At Aeroflow Healthcare, we believe that access to diapers and other necessary medical equipment is a right and not a privilege. These survey results indicate that there is still much to be done to close the diaper divide between consumers," said Mica Phillips, Vice President of Aeroflow Urology. "Unfortunately, bladder health and assistance with the necessary supplies is not available to everyone, even when medically necessary. These findings show that as an industry we must continue advocating for change to improve access to diapers and resources for Americans everywhere."
About Aeroflow Urology
Aeroflow Urology, a subsidiary of Aeroflow Healthcare, is a nationwide provider of urological supplies and has helped hundreds of thousands of patients maximize their insurance benefits to receive continence care supplies at no cost. Aeroflow is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those with urological conditions and offers a comprehensive portfolio of high quality products that meet the unique needs of each individual. With a 4.9 star rating on Google and Facebook, Aeroflow is committed to compassionate care and exceptional customer service - setting a new standard in an otherwise stagnant industry. To learn more about Aeroflow Urology, visit aeroflowurology.com.
Media Contact
FischTank PR, Aeroflow Urology, 646-699-1414, aeroflow@fischtankpr.com
SOURCE Aeroflow Urology
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