What Do Americans Think About Health and Wellness?

Research!America is a nonprofit scientific research advocacy organization with a mission to achieve better health for everyone. In January 2025, Research!America released the results of their survey of the American public about their feelings regarding medical and health research.

Here are some of the results of this survey:

·         Over eight out of ten Americans believe that scientists should inform the public about their research and its impact on society.

·         Over nine out of ten Americans believe that it is important that the US be a global leader in research to improve health, and over six in ten would pay $50 more in annual taxes to ensure this.

·         Over half felt that the COVID crisis helped them better understand how health research works.

·         Over six in ten Americans think their regular health care provider should encourage them to participate in appropriate clinical trials.

A 2025 study, the Axios/Ipsos American Health Index, shows that Americans are looking for clearer information and guidance regarding health and wellness. This study also indicated that trust in federal health agencies is declining, and fewer Americans believe they know who shapes the advice offered by public health agencies.

According to the American Health Index study, the majority of Americans would like to see national health institutions strengthened. Americans feel they don’t really understand public health news stories, but once they are aware of the topics covered, they do care about the issues. Yet the public’s trust in public health agency advice is declining.

Unfortunately, despite the public’s increased interest in better understanding of and potential participation in health and wellness research, this is becoming less likely to happen. Recent terminations of National Institute of Health grants for clinical trial research have affected over 74,000 people who were participating in research studies. The two divisions most impacted by the research cancellations are those funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

The need for continued research in the mental health area is indicated by the increase in symptomsof anxiety and depression, especially among younger adults, and by the recent large increase in the number of mental health diagnoses. Both racialand geographic health disparities have been increasing, and the life expectancy gap between racial groups is widening.

A clinical trial is the main process by which new medications and other medical interventions are evaluated for safety and effectiveness. This process is resource intensive and requires significant time to complete. Maybe instead of waiting for your healthcare provider to suggest your participation in a clinical trial, you could suggest one you are interested in. A good place to learn about existing clinical trials worldwide is at the ClinicalTrials.gov website. You might also want to register your interest in volunteering for a clinical trial at ResearchMatch.