Washington - Many Americans have sharply cut back their spending on entertainment, travel and even grocery shopping amid the widening US recession, a new poll revealed Tuesday.

Americans are rethinking their spending habits, the Zogby poll showed, with 70 per cent of people across income brackets saying they have reduced spending on entertainment and eating out in the last year. Some households polled had an annual income of 100,000 dollars.

Of the 1,474 people questioned, 40 per cent said they had cancelled vacation plans, while another 40 per cent claimed to have delayed buying cars or computers.

Others reported cutting costs in more vital areas such as healthcare, food and education.

According to the poll, 40 per cent decreased spending on groceries, including 28 per cent of those with a household income of 100,000 dollars.

At least 16 per cent said that they had done without medical care in the last year because of the cost. Nearly one in 10 chose not to pursue educational plans or changed their plans, said Zogby, which has been tracking public opinion since 1984. (dpa)