Work

Conceptualizations of “public health” and government action among U.S. adults in 2025

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Understanding how Americans think about public health and the role of government institutions is crucial for informing effective health communication in a polarized political climate. Methods We deployed an open-ended national survey of 1004 adults in October 2025 to assess public perceptions of these topics. Results Respondents associated the term “public health” with health for everyone (44%) and health of everyone (23%), alongside healthcare (20%) and other themes. The most common perceived government benefit was facilitating access to healthcare (39%)—particularly by addressing cost (16%). Among perceived government harms, more Republicans than Democrats cited overregulation (16% vs 8%, P < 0.01), limiting personal freedoms (16% vs 6%, P < 0.001), and inefficiency (10% vs 4%, P < 0.01); more Democrats than Republicans mentioned dismissing science (7% vs 2%, P < 0.01) and defunding (7% vs 2%, P = 0.02). Weighted analyses yielded minimal substantive differences from unweighted findings. Conclusion Findings reveal both cross-partisan common ground in term associations and divergent concerns regarding government action. Public health messaging should leverage shared priorities and acknowledge partisan concerns about government roles.

Source: Health Affairs Scholar

DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxag166

Authors: Lauren N Yan, Emily Cramer, Peter J Winch, Emily A Hurley

Institutions: Children's Mercy Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, University of Kansas Medical Center, University of Missouri–Kansas City

Language: English

Topic: Public Health Policies and Education

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,150