More people are listening to their peers instead of their doctors
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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.
- The first day is a special evening for seniors only.