BMC Medical Ethics· 2026Q1
Physician advertising and public trust: a survey of public perceptions and concerns in Iran
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
In Iran, 70% of surveyed residents reported recent exposure to physician advertising, mainly via social media, but only 34.9% found these ads trustworthy, with 88% supporting stricter regulations.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- 70% of surveyed Iranians reported recent exposure to physician advertising, predominantly through social media.
- Only 34.9% of respondents found physician advertisements trustworthy.
- 74.7% acknowledged that advertising can increase public knowledge about health.
- 88% of respondents supported implementing stricter regulations on physician advertising.
- Younger respondents were more prone to experiencing health anxiety due to physician advertisements.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Physician advertising is increasingly prevalent, yet public perceptions remain mixed. This study explores Iranian public attitudes toward physician advertising, focusing on exposure, credibility, professionalism, and regulatory concerns. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 residents of Tehran to assess their views on physician advertising. Data were analyzed to identify trends in exposure, trustworthiness, perceived professionalism, and regulatory preferences. Results revealed mixed perceptions, with 70% of respondents reporting recent exposure to physician advertising, primarily via social media. While 74.7% acknowledged advertising’s role in increasing public knowledge, only 34.9% found advertisements trustworthy. Younger respondents were more likely to believe physician advertisements contribute to health anxiety. Notably, 88% supported stricter advertising regulations. Although physician advertising offers informational benefits, concerns about credibility, professionalism, and ethical standards persist. The findings underscore the need for enhanced regulation and transparency to maintain public trust while ensuring the accurate dissemination of healthcare information.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. BMC Medical Ethics, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Pharmacology (Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics)
PharmacologyPharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics