WALES has recorded the highest rate of self-medication for anxiety and stress of any UK region, according to a new healthcare survey.

The STADA Health Report 2026 found that 31 per cent of adults surveyed in Wales said they self-medicated to manage anxiety or stress.

That was almost six percentage points above the UK average of 25.2 per cent.

The report also found comparatively low levels of trust in artificial intelligence for healthcare, alongside concerns about access to services, ageing and the amount of health information people are expected to navigate.

Just 38.5 per cent of Welsh respondents said they would trust AI to make a health diagnosis, the lowest rate recorded among the UK regions surveyed and well below the national average of 52.3 per cent.

Fewer than half, 42.4 per cent, said they would consider having a health consultation using AI, compared with 49.5 per cent across the UK.

Satisfaction with the public healthcare system was also lower in Wales. Some 57.9 per cent of Welsh respondents said they were satisfied, compared with a UK average of 65.1 per cent.

The findings form part of an international study commissioned by pharmaceutical manufacturer STADA Thornton & Ross and carried out by market research company Human8 Consulting.

A total of 2,001 adults were surveyed in the UK during February and March 2026, as part of a wider study involving 19,514 respondents across 20 countries. The company has not stated in the press material how many of the UK participants were based in Wales.

Concerns about ageing and access to care

More than two-thirds of Welsh respondents, 66.8 per cent, said they feared becoming dependent on care as they grew older.

That compared with a UK average of 54.3 per cent.

More than half of those surveyed in Wales, 55.4 per cent, also said they felt overwhelmed by the amount of health information available, against 47.7 per cent nationally.

The report’s authors said the findings suggested that some people were increasingly relying on self-management when they felt unable to access timely professional support.

However, the term “self-medication” can cover a range of behaviours, including the use of non-prescription medicines, supplements or other substances without direct advice from a healthcare professional.

Craig Shaw, general manager for STADA UK, said: “When one in three adults say they are self-medicating for anxiety or stress, it suggests many people are looking for practical ways to manage their wellbeing, but may not always feel they have access to the support they need at the right time.

“While trust in AI health tools is lower in Wales than elsewhere in the UK, the data also reinforces the enduring importance of trusted, face-to-face healthcare.

“Community pharmacists are uniquely placed to provide accessible advice, reassurance and guidance, helping people make informed decisions about managing their health and knowing when additional support is needed.”

STADA Thornton & Ross manufactures healthcare products including Covonia, Cetraben, Hedrin, Savlon and Zoflora, as well as generic and specialist medicines.

Anyone experiencing anxiety or stress is advised to speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional before taking medication that has not been prescribed for them.

ASHMOLE & CO, one of mid and west Wales’ largest bilingual accountancy firms, is delighted to be supporting Wales YFC by sponsoring its dance competition at this month’s Royal Welsh Show.

The firm has worked closely with the Welsh farming community since it was established in 1897 and remains deeply committed to the agricultural sector.

Many of Ashmole & Co’s partners and staff are past or present members of Wales YFC and have benefited personally and professionally from their involvement with the organisation.

Supporting the next generation of farmers and rural leaders is therefore of great importance to the firm.

The Royal Welsh Show is one of the highlights of the year for YFC members, with competitions including shearing, dancing, stock judging and flower arranging.

The dance competition sponsored by Ashmole & Co will take place on the main YFC stage on Tuesday, July 21, from 1pm.

Ceri Llwyd, a partner at Ashmole & Co’s Llandovery and Llandeilo offices, said: “As the auditor of Wales YFC, we understand the importance of this bilingual rural youth organisation in helping young people become successful farmers, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.

“It has been an honour to work with Wales YFC over many years. We have developed an excellent working relationship, and I very much hope this will continue for many years to come.

“We would like to wish everyone competing at the Royal Welsh Show the very best of luck and hope they enjoy the tremendous experience.

“I will be there on Tuesday to watch the competition and show my support.”

Wales YFC is a vibrant organisation that encourages young people to take responsibility and play an active role in their communities while developing their skills through a wide range of member-led programmes and activities.

The organisation has more than 5,000 members aged between 10 and 28, as well as thousands of supporters, volunteers, parents and friends.

Mared Rand Jones, chief executive of Wales YFC, said: “The Royal Welsh Show is the pinnacle of the year for YFC members, and we look forward to seeing them once again representing their counties and competing in a wide variety of competitions.

“Wales YFC will be showcasing the very best of its membership, and the public will be entertained throughout the four days of the show.

“We thank Ashmole & Co for its tremendous support. As a charity, we depend on generous sponsorship to provide activities and competitions for our members.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Wales YFC Centre during the show.”

The 2026 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday, July 20, to Thursday, July 23.

Widely regarded as one of the leading events in the British agricultural calendar, the show will feature four days of livestock and equine competitions, forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink, alongside a packed daily programme of entertainment, attractions and displays.

A MAGICAL glow-in-the-dark puppet show featuring colourful characters, music and family-friendly humour is returning to the Torch Theatre this August.

The Puppet Spectacular Glow Show is a captivating one-hour UV performance designed to entertain audiences of all ages.

Combining puppetry, comedy, music and striking black-light visuals, the interactive show encourages children and adults to sing, clap and cheer along with the characters.

Magic Light Productions has been creating professional puppets for its own productions and for companies around the world since 2006.

The company specialises in UV black art, with its puppets having appeared in numerous variety shows across the UK, including 12 theatre tours with the BBC’s Chuckle Brothers.

Drawing from an extensive collection of puppets, the production promises an immersive sensory experience for the whole family.

Last year’s Puppet Spectacular Glow Show sold out at the Torch Theatre, with audience members praising the inclusive and interactive nature of the performance. Visitors were also given the opportunity to meet some of the characters after the show.

The Puppet Spectacular Glow Show will take place on the Torch Theatre stage on Saturday, August 8, at 2pm.

Tickets cost £14 for adults and £12.50 for under-16s, with a family ticket available for £48.

Tickets can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.