Preventive medicine in Russia: The problem of public (dis)trust

Abstract

Based on a range of empirical studies, the article discusses the contemporary challenges and contradictions for the development of preventive medicine in Russia amongst the enormous distrust of the population towards preventive medical measures. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the discussion about preventive medical actions as a necessary measure for maintaining national security has assumed new importance. While the Russian government tries to reduce the epidemiological and economic risks by strengthening control and involving the population in preventive procedures, “coronavirus restrictions” have caused significant discontent among the population. The protest voices of “COVID dissidents” are heard loudly in public spaces, and the arguments of opponents of vaccination are widespread in Russian society. However, even before the pandemic, the wary attitude of the population towards vaccinations and preventive measures was already acutely problematic. In 2020–2021 a sociological study was conducted to identify a number of objective and subjective factors of public (dis)trust towards preventive medical measures, and, in general, the value attitude towards health and preventive care in Russian society. The analysis showed the sensitive points of the Russian’s attitude to preventive medicine and issues of health promotions, demonstrating the existing stereotypes and fears of people, as well as the problems of modern preventive medicine in general and vaccination. The authors conclude that the problem of institutional (dis)trust is key for the development of preventive medicine in Russia. Without voluntary and interested participation of the population in medical practices, the development of the modern concept of predictive, preventive, personalised and participative medicine will not be successful.