Health Information and Trust
The monitor
Nearly 10% of cancer research papers showed signs of being fabricated by “paper mills” that sell manuscripts at industrial scale, with the share increasing exponentially over time, according to new research. The problem may intensify as generative AI becomes more sophisticated, prompting lawmakers to demand information from federal agencies about safeguards in place.
Plus, persistent claims that physicians are financially incentivized to promote vaccines may be contributing to vaccine hesitancy and declining trust, even as recent analyses show doctors typically break even or lose money when administering vaccines.
New KFF Poll Finds Trust in CDC Remains at Low Point Amid Falling Trust Among Democrats
Plus, new evidence finds no link between autism and prenatal use of acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, but confusion may persist as officials continue to question the drug’s safety, illustrating how trust in different messengers can shape public perceptions despite scientific understanding.
Polling
Trust and Confidence in the CDC Remain at Low Point After Changes to Recommended Childhood Vaccines
Weeks after the Trump administration reduced the number of childhood vaccine recommended for routine use, public trust in the CDC is at its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, and less than half are confident in federal agencies’ ability to make such recommendations. Among those who have heard about the revised recommendations, more say they expect the changes to have a negative impact than a positive one on children’s health. Read the News Release.
Interactive Dashboard: KFF Polling on Health Information and Trust
Drawing on KFF’s poll findings, this interactive dashboard tracks the public’s trusted sources for health information, attitudes toward vaccines, and use of news, social media, and AI for health-related information. It provides visual representations of the key trends in the public’s trust in health information and tracks exposure to and belief in false and unproven health claims.
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