Americans use the Internet as a tool to follow news and collect information about medical issues and health care. The Pew Internet & American Life Project studies the availability and usefulness of health information on the Web and the ways people use these resources to deal with medical conditions. Data about this online activity are gathered through public opinion polling, online surveys and other research methods.
Recent topics explored by the Pew Internet & American Life Project include the timeliness of online health news; the number of Americans who view the Web as their No. 1 source for health tips; and patterns of prescription drugs purchases on the Internet. The data help journalists, academic researchers and the public learn more about how the Internet is used as a health care tool in America.
The Pew Internet & American Life Project is an initiative of the Pew Research Center, a Pew subsidiary based in Washington, D.C. For more information about the Internet and health care, visit the Pew Internet & American Life Project Web site.
Jun 11, 2009 - While most Americans still turn to a doctor, a growing number is going online for medical issues, according to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. Fully 61% have used the internet for health info—up from 25% in 2000—and most report positive experiences. More adults are also turning to the Web for fitness and exercise information as well.
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May 07, 2009 - The public ranks the internet most useful as a source of information on the virus. Where and how are people finding flu facts online?
Nov 24, 2008 - At a time when health care is a major public policy issue, how have the U.S. media covered the complex subject of health? How much coverage does it generate? Which aspects get the most scrutiny? What media outlets pay the most attention? This report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Project for Excellence in Journalism examines those questions.
Aug 26, 2008 - This Pew Internet Project survey finds that people turn to the Internet for health information when the stakes are high and the connection fast.
Dec 30, 2007 - Report examines at how people use the Internet, libraries and government agencies when they need help.
Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Oct 08, 2007 - Just half of adults with chronic conditions use the internet; but once online, they are avid consumers of health information.
Oct 29, 2006 - Report finds that eight-in-ten Internet users search for health information online, and most of them are pleased by what they find -- though few check the quality of the information.
May 17, 2005 - Survey results on how Americans use the Internet to find health information. Includes trends in health topics, demographics and implications for the future.
Oct 11, 2004 - A survey of American's activities around prescription drug purchases online.
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