What the study found
Most respondents reported using health apps, and the sources they trusted most were health professionals, pharmacists, and government or health authorities. However, the sources they said they used most often when choosing apps were more informal, such as family and friends.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that there is public support for government-led review and rating schemes to help guide consumer choice. They also suggest that making trustworthy information easy to find at the point of download and helping health care professionals recommend high-quality apps could bridge the gap between trusted and used sources.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional online survey from December 7, 2022, to February 16, 2023, in 26 languages. It targeted residents of the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine and asked 11 questions about demographics, health app use, sources of advice used and trusted, and views on government review and rating.
What worked and what didn't
Of 1,228 completed responses from 33 countries, 1,110 respondents reported using one or more health apps. The most used apps were COVID-19 apps and activity apps, while disease management, diagnostic, and treatment apps were used least often. Health professionals were the most trusted source, followed by pharmacists and government or health authorities; no statistically significant differences in trust by gender were seen, while some differences by age and education were reported for select sources.
What to keep in mind
The survey included only fully completed responses, so the findings reflect this sample rather than all residents in the region. The abstract describes a cross-sectional survey, which captures responses at one point in time, and it does not describe other limitations beyond the adjustment for multiple testing.
Key points
- 1,228 people from 33 countries completed the survey.
- 1,110 respondents reported using at least one health app.
- Health professionals were the most trusted recommendation source.
- Family and friends were used more often than professional recommendations.
- 86.3% of respondents supported government review and rating of health apps.
- No statistically significant trust differences by gender were found.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- European residents trust health professionals most for app advice
- Authors:
- Mariam Shokralla, Romy Fleur Willemsen, Marise J. Kasteleyn, Niels H. Chavannes, Esther Talboom-Kamp
- Institutions:
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Open University of the Netherlands, Zuyderland Medisch Centrum
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-09
- DOI:
- 10.2196/64468
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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