Use of Subsidized Health Services by Artists in Canada: An Exploratory Study

IntroductionCreative and performing artists are often confronted with precarious employment and insufficient healthcare coverage. A clinic in Canada that provides specialized healthcare to artists offers eligible artists subsidized health services. We aim to compare the use of health services, demographics and health conditions between subsidy artist recipients (SAs) and non-subsidy artists (NSAs).MethodsWe accessed existing data from 265 SAs and 711 NSAs and applied descriptive and inferential statistics to address our research questions.ResultsMusculoskeletal issues, stress, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders are the most common health problems faced by SAs. Compared to NSAs, SAs were more likely to seek treatment for stress, but less likely to seek treatment for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, chronic problems, and upper extremity problems.DiscussionFuture research may investigate the enduring effects of subsidized health services on SAs' health outcomes. Sustained positive outcomes are crucial for maintaining an artist's career and well-being.