What the study found
In this multilingual survey of European residents, most respondents reported using one or more health apps. The most trusted recommendation sources were health professionals, pharmacists, and government or health authorities, but family and friends were used more often than professional sources.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that there is public support for government-led review and rating schemes to guide consumer choice. They also suggest that making trustworthy, easy-to-find information available at the point of download, and supporting health care professionals in recommending high-quality apps, could help bridge the gap between trusted and used sources.
What the researchers tested
The researchers ran 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 about app use, sources of advice used and trusted, and views on government review and rating.
What worked and what didn't
Among 1228 fully completed responses from 33 countries, 1110 respondents reported using at least one health app. COVID-19 apps and activity apps were most commonly used, while disease management, diagnostic, and treatment apps were least used. Health professionals were the most trusted source, and 86.3% of respondents supported government review and rating of health apps.
What to keep in mind
The survey included only fully completed responses, so the findings reflect that sample rather than all residents in the region. The abstract does not provide details on response rate, and the subgroup findings are limited to the specific trust comparisons reported.
Key points
- Most respondents reported using one or more health apps.
- Health professionals were the most trusted source of app recommendations.
- Family and friends were used more often than professional sources when choosing apps.
- 86.3% of respondents supported government review and rating of health apps.
- COVID-19 apps and activity apps were the most commonly used app types.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- European residents trust professionals most for health 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
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with scholarly research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.