French public health interest high

A survey conducted by Toluna Harris Interactive for the Ministry of Health found that 87% of the French are interested in health issues, with 36% very interested. Preventive practices, such as diet and physical activity, are the most followed topics, ahead of diseases and treatments, the state of the health system, and medical research.

Health information sought regularly

Fifty-four percent of respondents seek health information at least once a month, and 24% at least once a week. They are divided between a preventive approach (37%) and a search triggered by a personal or family health problem (38%).

Expectations for health information

When searching for health information, the French expect it to be reliable (71%), clear and easy to understand (55%), and guaranteed without commercial intent (40%). However, 42% find it difficult to find reliable health information, with 62% doubting the reliability of the sources, 51% the truthfulness of the information, and 44% encountering contradictory content.

False information exposure

In this context, 38% of the French declare themselves exposed to false or misleading information at least once a month. Additionally, 61% believe that health information influences their behaviors and daily practices.

Health professionals as trusted sources

Health professionals occupy a central place as sources of information. The general practitioner is cited by 55% of respondents as the main source, the specialist doctor by 43%, and the pharmacist by 39%, ahead of the Internet via a search engine (30%) and family and friends (22%).

Trust in pharmacists and doctors

The pharmacist enjoys the trust of 90% of the French, just behind the specialist doctor and the general practitioner (92% each). It outperforms official websites (81%), family and friends (63%), the media (35%), and influencers (11%).