Latest news with #CourtneyGrayHaupt
Axios
04-06-2025
- Health
- Axios
More people are listening to their peers instead of their doctors
More people across the globe are taking health decisions into their own hands, especially young adults, a new survey finds. Why it matters: Dwindling trust in legacy institutions in the wake of the pandemic could have health impacts for Hoosiers already dealing with disparities in our state's health care system. Driving the news: The communications firm Edelman surveyed more than 16,000 people across 16 countries in March. What they found: In the U.S., 61% of respondents believe business, government and non-governmental organizations hurt their ability to get quality care. By the numbers: Peer-driven health care decisions surged between 2024 and 2025 in all age groups, but young adults are shifting the fastest. 45% of those aged 18 to 34 said they've disregarded their health provider's guidance in favor of information from a friend or family member in the past year — a 13-point increase from the previous year. 38% of young adults said they've ignored their provider in favor of advice from social media, a 12-point increase from the year before. Yes, but: Nearly 60% of young adults say they've made at least one health decision they regret based on inaccurate or misleading information. What they're saying:"Younger adults have truly created their own health ecosystem with how they're looking for information, who they trust, what they're doing with health information," said Courtney Gray Haupt, global health co-chair and U.S. health chair at Edelman. Between the lines: With trust being the crux of changing behavior, there is concern that the problem may be even more significant among communities of color that carry generational mistrust of health care systems. Representation can also be a difference maker, with 66% of survey respondents saying to see someone as a legitimate health expert, that person needs to "understand what people like me need and want." Indiana Health Fair approaches One way Indiana health leaders try to help Hoosiers clear trust and cost barriers is through the annual Indiana Health Fair. It's staged by the Indiana Department of Health and held during Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration. The largest of its kind, the event offers more than $4,000 in free health screenings and services with a focus on boosting awareness and prevention of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and cancer. Leaders want to provide a less intimidating environment in which to speak with health care professionals that reflect their community. State of play: Last year's event introduced a new mental health series to combat stigmas in the Black community. IBE president and CEO Alice Watson said the 2025 fair will see that effort continue and include a special art exhibit called "The Faces of Us." "That particular exhibit would actually be a photography exhibit showing just the faces of mental health. And you'd be surprised at those folks who have challenges with it," Watson said. "It's not just who you think it is." If you go: The 2025 Indiana Health Fair runs July 17-20 at the Indiana Convention Center.
Axios
24-04-2025
- Health
- Axios
Gen Z increasingly listens to peers over doctors for health advice
Young adults around the world are increasingly taking health decisions into their own hands, according to new global survey results from communications firm Edelman. Why it matters: Adults under age 35, many who've come of age since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, still rely on their individual providers to help with medical choices. But they're also seeking information on their own more than ever. "Younger adults have truly created their own health ecosystem with how they're looking for information, who they trust, what they're doing with health information," said Courtney Gray Haupt, global chief operating officer and U.S. health sector chair at Edelman. What they found: In all age groups, but especially among adults younger than age 35, peer-driven health care decisions surged between 2024 and 2025. 45% of adults age 18 to 34 said they've disregarded their health provider's guidance in favor of information from a friend or family member in the past year — a 13-point increase from the previous year. 38% of young adults said they've ignored their provider in favor of advice from social media, a 12-point increase from the year before. Edelman surveyed more than 16,000 people across 16 countries in March. Zoom in: Credentials and institutional credence are becoming less important to health care consumers — especially younger ones. The vast majority of young adults (82%) still said their individual doctor has influenced their health decisions. But one-third of young adults also reported content creators without medical training have influenced their health decisions. Some 45% of young adults say the average person can know as much about health matters as trained doctors, a 7-point increase from 2024 survey data. Meanwhile, 61% of U.S. respondents across all age groups said they feel business, government and non-governmental organization actions hurt their ability to get quality health care. Fewer than 40% in the U.S. said they trust the media to accurately report health care information. Between the lines: Young adults are engaging with health media more than other age groups, the survey shows. The averages across all age groups are 53% and 39%, respectively.
