This marks a significant positive shift in public attitudes and behaviors around health, particularly as Vietnam’s health system continues to face increasing pressure.

The study, conducted between June and December, was carried out in Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hue, and An Giang. The research was based on the Global Self-Care Readiness Index developed by the Global Self-Care Federation.

Vietnam scored 3.04 out of a possible 4. Among its strongest indicators was the level of support for self-care within the health system.

The score for trust and support from healthcare professionals reached 3.03 - above the average and higher than several regional peers. An impressive 73.1% of health workers said they regularly advise patients on self-care as part of treatment plans.

However, the public trust score was lower at 2.38, suggesting that while people are inclined toward self-care, many still lack confidence and reliable information. Nonetheless, the survey noted widespread openness to using over-the-counter medications for minor ailments like coughs and colds, as well as engaging in physical exercise.

Patient and consumer empowerment scored 3.06 - higher than seven of the ten countries in the 2022 comparative report.

The highest score came from self-testing, with 3.36 points, indicating that more Vietnamese are accessing home-use medical devices and monitoring tools.

Health literacy among the population earned 3.26 points, reflecting improved awareness and application of self-care strategies for common health issues.

Despite this progress, access to personal health data and digital health tools remains only average. The lack of a unified electronic health record system continues to hinder individuals’ ability to manage their health comprehensively.

Misinformation on social media still a major challenge

Policy readiness scored 3.05. However, the study also pointed out several pressing challenges.

One is the ease of exposure to unverified health information on social media, while official health content remains less accessible - particularly for the elderly.

Many primary healthcare workers are overloaded, lack specialized counseling skills, and receive little incentive for patient education, leading to inconsistent guidance.

On the legal front, Vietnam received its highest score of 3.26, indicating a favorable regulatory environment. Non-prescription medications, supplements, and medical devices are widely available across both physical and digital platforms.

However, the research team noted that this convenience also calls for greater transparency and quality control to protect consumers.

Dr. Nguyen Khanh Phuong, Director of the Health Strategy and Policy Institute, stated that Vietnam has solid foundations for advancing self-care but still has untapped potential.

Moving forward, she emphasized the importance of enhancing mainstream health communications, strengthening healthcare worker training in patient counseling, and accelerating the integration of electronic health records with the national digital ID system (VNeID). These steps are seen as key to empowering the public to better manage and protect their health.

Phuong Thuy