Despite having a generally positive view of their own health, many Americans generally have a "pessimistic view" of public health in the United States, largely due to growing healthcare costs, according to a new poll from Axios and Ipsos.

The current state of American health

For the poll, Axios and Ipsos surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,213 U.S. adults between Feb. 17 and Feb. 21. The poll is the first iteration of the Axios-Ipsos American Health Index, which will be released quarterly and aims to assess Americans' priorities, concerns, and behaviors relating to public health. The new poll builds off the organizations' Coronavirus Index, which began during the pandemic.

Overall, most Americans feel that they are in relatively good health when it comes to their home life, their emotional well-being, their mental health, and their personal finances. However, less than 3 in 10 respondents said that their diet (21%), physical health (27%), or personal finances (27%) were "very good," suggesting that there may be room for improvement in these areas.

Most respondents said they feel there is only a small risk of potentially contracting COVID-19 or another respiratory illness, such as the flu or respiratory syncytial virus. Currently, roughly a third of respondents said they either social distance or wear a mask at least some of the time.

In general, the researchers found that Americans' behaviors suggest that they have a "somewhat casual acceptance of risk."

When it comes to driving, 52% of respondents said they speed some or all of the time, and 29% said that they text and drive at least occasionally. Around half of respondents also reported drinking alcohol in the last week, with 27% drinking on multiple days. Over 75% of respondents also said they drink caffeinated beverages multiple times a week.

On the other hand, relatively few Americans reported smoking or using tobacco products in the last week. In addition, 62% of respondents said they exercised at least a few days a week, and 60% said they get at least seven hours of sleep most days or every day.

Americans' top public health concerns

When asked about the top threats to public health at the moment, the top three responses were opioids (26%), obesity (21%), and access to guns or firearms (17%). Other responses include cancer, COVID-19, and unsafe roads or driving.

According to the researchers, political affiliation and education impacted these views. Republicans were more concerned about opioids and obesity, while Democrats were more concerned about gun deaths. Respondents with a college degree were also more likely to see obesity as a larger issue than opioids compared to those without one.

In general, most Americans have a "pessimistic view" of  public health in the United States, Ipsos writes. Roughly 75% of respondents said they disagreed that either businesses or the government are making their health and well-being a priority. Similarly, only 28% of respondents said they believe the country is prepared to handle another pandemic.

Currently, healthcare costs are a major issue for many Americans, with 72% of respondents saying that costs are increasing where they live. When asked about what the government should prioritize for public health, most respondents (50%) said lowering costs for healthcare and prescription drugs.

Other answers included reducing gun deaths, researching cures and treatments for major diseases, and ensuring the safety of existing health practices and medications.

Currently, 78% of respondents said they want insurers to cover weight-loss drugs, and 84% said they supported a monthly cap on out-of-pocket insulin costs.

"These public health challenges are important, but for the typical American it's the bite out of their pocketbook that is even more important," said Cliff Young, president of Ipsos U.S. Public Affairs. "Today in America, making ends meet is an increasing challenge so the No. 1 health priority returns back to the overall priority for most Americans, being able to afford the basic necessities of life." (Bettelheim, Axios, 2/23; Jackson et al., Ipsos, 2/23)