Conspiracy theories in the health domain can potentially erode trust in public health institutions and experts, resulting in non-compliance with public health guidelines and recommendations. This article aims to uncover and describe the widespread conspiracy theories associated with the pharmaceutical industry in Poland, while characterising the individuals who hold these beliefs. An online survey was conducted using a research-focused panel of participants. A quota sample of 1,057 was selected to reflect the basic demographic characteristics of the Polish population. Findings showed that pharmaceutical industry-linked conspiracy theories (PILCT) are widespread among respondents. The most popular theory regarding the concealment of drug side effects was held by 63.1% of respondents. Individuals with children, better financial situations, strong religious beliefs, living in a city or village with a population of less than 500,000 and a lower level of education tend to have higher PILCT beliefs. Higher PILCT beliefs correlate with reduced trust in doctors and the industry. Private healthcare services and vaccination behaviours (both irregular and regular vaccinations) are key predictors of lower PILCT beliefs. Considering the health risks and findings of this study, practitioners must be made aware of such widespread false beliefs to address this challenge properly.
Keywords: Conspiracy beliefs; Health risks; Institutional trust; Pharmaceutical industry.
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