Association between Medical Avoidance Behavior and Lifestyle Changes during the Early Phase of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Emergency in Tokyo: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Gastric Cancer Screening Cohort

Our findings indicate that some middle-aged and elderly Japanese residents in urban areas avoided healthcare services to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. A subset of individuals continued this behavior even after the pandemic subsided. It is crucial to prioritize regular checkups for managing chronic illnesses and preventing new conditions. Effective communication strategies should be developed in collaboration with national and local governments.