ROMA (ITALPRESS) – Italians are cautious about the use of Artificial Intelligence when it comes to their health, recognizing the central role of doctors and pharmacists: if, on the one hand, in fact, 59% does not exclude relying on AI for a health consultancy, on the other, for 74% health professionals continue to be the first responsible for health education. In the background, the satisfaction for the health system that stands at 45%, down compared to the previous years, and over half of the Italians who expresses fear and concern to age, especially for the risk of needing assistance or to go to meet a cognitive decline. This is what emerges from the Italian focus of the STADA Health Report 2026, presented in Milan during an event promoted by EG STADA Group in collaboration with Il Sole 24 Ore.
The survey, conducted by Human8 on behalf of STADA, involved some 2,000 of our compatriots between 18 and 76 years of age, in an online research carried out in 20 countries between February and March 2026. The Report highlights a gradual openness towards Artificial Intelligence, accompanied by a certain caution: almost 3 Italians out of 5 (59%) declare themselves available to consider an AI-based advice instead of addressing a doctor but, in most cases, only under certain conditions, such as the possibility of a subsequent comparison with a healthcare professional (23%), the use of AI as a second opinion (13%) or in the presence of mild disorders). Over 4 respondents out of 10 (44%) say they do not use AI for their own health.
Among those who already resort to it, the most frequent uses concern a better understanding of the received diagnosis (31%) and the search for useful tips for prevention (25%), for example on lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity. Among the main concerns related to the use of AI are the risk of incorrect errors or diagnosis (52%), the use of health data without consent (36%) and the reduction of human interaction (36%), while on the expectations front, 44% hopes for faster diagnosis, 39% less expensive healthcare and 35% easier access to medical services, even in rural areas or more disadvantaged.
In Italy, overall satisfaction with the health system was 45%, down from 48% in 2025. Although the decrease is less marked than previous years, the figure shows a persistent distance between citizens’ expectations and their daily experience. The long waiting times, linked to the shortage of personnel, are the main criticality: 73% of respondents indicate them, in fact, among the major challenges of the health system of the country. Population ageing and increased chronic diseases (57%) and difficult access to economically sustainable healthcare (55%).
According to the sample interviewed, the healthcare system currently offers good support especially for access to drugs (59%), while mental health support (21%), availability of digital tools and services (23%) and care for the elderly (24%). In a country where the population is more and more long-term, the theme of ageing takes on a particular importance. 58% of Italians look with concern at the passing of the years; percentage that rises to 65% among women. Among the main fears, the need for assistance (65%), cognitive decline (64%), followed by physical problems and diseases (61% and 60%).
Nevertheless, more than 7 respondents out of 10 (78%) consider it important to “live as long as possible” and, in order to achieve this, Italians are willing to change their habits, giving up – in whole or in part – sugar and sweets (84%), time in front of the screens (78%), fast food (77%) and alcohol (73%).
Healthcare professionals are considered the main managers of health education: 74% of respondents say so. Even in the context of increasing digitization, their role is destined to remain central. For 45% of Italians, doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals will be increasingly involved in the offer of digital advice and distance. On the other hand, 31% of them have a growing role as consultants and interpreters of IA instruments, while 26% consider them intended to strengthen their role as human and reliable points of reference.
Also in access to health services Italians prefer direct comparison with professionals: the meeting is in fact the preferred mode for screening and preventive checks (78%), for medical consultations (78%), for pharmacist consultations (69%) and for therapy or psychological support paths (58%).
“The results of the STADA Health Report 2026 give us an important photograph of the relationship of Italians with health and the National Health Service. The data help us to better understand the needs, expectations and concerns of people and represent a valuable starting point to reflect on how to contribute to the evolution of the system. Today our Health Service is going through a difficult phase and shows some fragility, but it remains a fundamental value for the country, which we must strive to preserve. In this path, artificial digitalization and intelligence can also make an important contribution, helping healthcare professionals to make the treatment path easier, timely and close to people’s needs, within a model in which the human relationship must remain central,” commented Salvatore Butti, General Manager & Managing Director of EG STADA Group.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
