Republican mistrust in healthcare widens US health gap, study finds
A recent study indicates that growing Republican mistrust in the healthcare system is widening health disparities between conservatives and liberals in the U.S. Researchers found that Republicans are increasingly avoiding doctors and vaccines, which has contributed to poorer health outcomes. The study highlights that this trend has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a significant impact on trust in medical treatments.
- ▪Republicans are more likely to avoid vaccines and the medical system, leading to increased health disparities.
- ▪The study suggests that education polarization has contributed to this mistrust, with less educated individuals leaning Republican.
- ▪Even after the pandemic, anti-vaccination attitudes have expanded to include long-established vaccines.
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A banner encouraging flu vaccines remains outside the Hattiesburg Clinic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on 10 February 2026. Photograph: Rory Doyle/The GuardianView image in fullscreenA banner encouraging flu vaccines remains outside the Hattiesburg Clinic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on 10 February 2026. Photograph: Rory Doyle/The GuardianUS newsRepublican mistrust in healthcare widens US health gap, study findsRepublicans increasingly avoid doctors and vaccines, widening health gaps with Democrats, researchers sayHannah Harris GreenFri 29 May 2026 09.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 09.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleGrowing Republican mistrust in the healthcare system has widened health disparities between liberals and conservatives, who are more likely to avoid vaccines…
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