# New survey finds most Americans believe chronic diseases are preventable, but only 1 in 4 feel confident in how to care for their health

- URL: https://theranews.net/blog/2026-04-10-new-survey-finds-most-americans-believe-chronic-diseases-are-preventable-but-onl-a67dff/
- Published: 2026-04-10
- Type: Archive summary (AI-assisted summary of third-party reporting)
- Original outlet: cision
- Original report: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-finds-most-americans-believe-chronic-diseases-are-preventable-but-only-1-in-4-feel-confident-in-how-to-care-for-their-health-302737710.html
- Topics: mental-health
- Publisher: TheraNews, operated by AdvancedCare USA Inc.
- Notice: Educational content, not medical, legal, billing or financial advice. Cite the original outlet, not this summary.

> With chronic disease on the rise, a new survey from Abbott shows information overload, confusion and cost leave many Americans struggling, worrying about how to stay healthy ABBOTT PARK, Ill., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Abbott (NYSE: ABT), a global leader in chronic disease...

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A new survey from Abbott reveals a significant gap between American confidence in preventing chronic disease and actual health management practices. While 74% of U.S. adults believe most chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease are preventable, only 1 in 4 feel very confident in knowing how to care for their health, according to research conducted by Kantar among 4,000 U.S. adults.

## Barriers to Health Action

The survey identified multiple obstacles keeping Americans from taking preventive action. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they have delayed or avoided doing something for their health because it felt too overwhelming or expensive. Forty-six percent report that health guidance is confusing to follow, with 58% of those pointing to conflicting advice from different sources. Additionally, 61% believe they should be doing more for their health.

## Generational Patterns and Technology

Millennials report feeling the healthiest at 65%, yet paradoxically are the most worried—half fear developing chronic disease if they haven't already. Gen Z is increasingly turning to digital tools for guidance, equally likely to seek health advice from AI tools as from family or friends at 12%. Sixty-nine percent of Gen Z respondents have used a health tracker or app in the last 12 months, with 93% reporting a positive change in health habits and 58% stating a lasting change.

## Nutrition and Parental Concerns

Ninety-six percent of Americans believe good nutrition helps prevent chronic disease, but only 30% say they personally eat "very healthy," and 42% say healthy food is too expensive. Parents face particular pressure, with 94% believing their children's habits today will affect their overall health as adults. Nearly 9 in 10 of those parents feel pressure to model healthy habits for their kids, yet over 40% say they aren't always modeling healthy patterns.

Abbott partnered with Sesame Workshop to launch resources helping families create healthy routines around nutrition, movement and sleep, available at Sesame.org/HealthyHabits.

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*This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-finds-most-americans-believe-chronic-diseases-are-preventable-but-only-1-in-4-feel-confident-in-how-to-care-for-their-health-302737710.html](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-finds-most-americans-believe-chronic-diseases-are-preventable-but-only-1-in-4-feel-confident-in-how-to-care-for-their-health-302737710.html)*