How to Find Reliable Health Research: A Guide to Health Media Literacy

Health
Written By Melissa Schenkman

Whether you're investigating symptoms, learning about a new diagnosis, or supporting a loved one through their health journey, having the right tools to find reliable medical information is crucial. As a health science researcher with two decades of experience, I want to share my proven strategies for finding and evaluating quality health research—no medical degree required.

Where to find reliable research

The internet is vast, but not all sources are created equal. For accessing primary research, focus on these two main databases:

  1. PubMed: This comprehensive database from the National Library of Medicine is the go-to resource for healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide.

  2. Google Scholar: A powerful academic search engine that helps locate scholarly articles across various disciplines.

Research quality checklist

When evaluating a research study, consider these key factors:

1. Sample size matters

Look for the letter "n" in the abstract—this indicates the number of participants. Aim for studies with at least 100 participants for more meaningful results. While smaller studies aren't necessarily invalid, larger sample sizes (1000+) typically provide more reliable and generalizable findings.

2. Participant demographics

Consider who was studied:

  • Gender distribution

  • Age ranges

  • Ethnic and racial representation

  • Geographic location

The more diverse the study population, the more likely the results will apply to a broader range of people.

3. Publication date

Stick to research published within the last five years whenever possible. Medical knowledge evolves rapidly, and newer studies incorporate the latest understanding and methodologies.

4. Peer review status

Look for studies in peer-reviewed journals. This means other experts in the field have reviewed the research for quality and validity before publication.

 5. Impact factor score

This score indicates how frequently articles in a particular journal are cited. While a score of 3 is decent, aim for journals with scores of 10 or higher for the most credible research. Notable high-impact journals include:

  • Nature Medicine

  • Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

  • The Lancet

  • Journal of the American Heart Association

6. Study design

The gold standard is the randomized controlled trial (RCT), but other study types can also provide valuable insights, including:

  • Prospective studies

  • Longitudinal studies

  • Retrospective analyses

Recent Research Highlights

To illustrate these principles, let's examine two significant studies from January 2025:

Dementia risk study (Nature Medicine)

This large-scale study (N=15,043) revealed concerning statistics about lifetime dementia risk:

  • 42% lifetime risk starting at age 55

  • Higher risk in women (48% after age 75)

  • Increased risk in Black adults compared to white adults

  • Projected increase from 514,000 new cases annually in 2020 to approximately 1 million by 2060

 PFAS and cancer study (Nature)

This groundbreaking environmental health study examined:

  • Data from 22 cancer registries (covering half the U.S. population)

  • 800 water systems serving 10,000+ people

  • Associations between PFAS exposure and various cancers, including oral, lung, digestive system, brain, urinary system, soft tissue, and thyroid cancers

Reliable resources for non-academic reading

When you're not diving into research papers, these trusted sources provide accurate health information:

  • Cleveland Clinic

  • Mayo Clinic

  • Johns Hopkins

  • NYU Health System

  • Moffitt Cancer Center

  • MD Anderson Cancer Center

Remember: Avoid relying on chat rooms or unverified websites for medical information. University-affiliated medical centers and recognized health institutions are your best bet for reliable health content.

The bottom line

You don't need a medical degree to access and understand health research. With these tools and guidelines, you can make more informed decisions about your health and have more productive conversations with your healthcare providers. Whether you're managing your own health or caring for loved ones, quality research is your ally in navigating the complex world of healthcare.

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Melissa Schenkman
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