Confidence in the ability to find reliable health information has declined over the past year, while the use of artificial intelligence tools for health advice is increasing, according to new research by Edelman.
The findings point to a shifting landscape in how individuals assess and act on medical information, with uncertainty rising across multiple regions.
Declining confidence across countries
The proportion of people who feel confident navigating health information fell to 51% in 2026, down from between 59% and 61% in previous years.
The decline was recorded across most of the 16 markets surveyed, with statistically significant drops in 14 of them. The sharpest decreases were observed in the United States and France, where confidence fell by 14 percentage points.
Similar downward trends were reported across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, reflecting broader uncertainty over how to evaluate health information and which sources to trust.
Artificial intelligence gains ground
Amid this environment, artificial intelligence tools are increasingly used as an alternative source of guidance. According to the survey, 35% of respondents already use AI for health-related purposes.
Among those users, 78% said they rely on such tools to receive recommendations related to treatment.
Nearly two in three respondents also believe that a person with strong knowledge of AI, even without formal medical training, could match a doctor in certain tasks.
Persistence of misleading beliefs
The study also examined the prevalence of disputed or misleading health beliefs. These included claims such as vaccines posing greater risks than benefits or the use of paracetamol during pregnancy being linked to autism.
Overall, 70% of respondents reported believing at least one such claim. Acceptance rates ranged between 25% and 32%, depending on the statement.
The belief in at least one misleading claim was highest in India (89%) and South Africa (88%), while the United States recorded a lower but still significant level at 61%.
Doctors remain the most trusted source
Despite the broader uncertainty, personal doctors continue to be the most trusted source of health information. Eight in ten respondents said they trust their own physician.
However, this trust does not always translate into adherence. The survey found that individuals who hold multiple misleading beliefs were more likely to ignore medical advice over the past year, instead relying on input from friends, family or social media.
A fragmented information environment
The findings highlight an increasingly complex and fragmented information environment around health. While medical professionals remain central, more individuals are seeking answers through alternative channels, including artificial intelligence and digital platforms.
