The Internet becomes an increasingly important health resource for consumers curbing their spending on doctor’s visits and medications

December 17, 2008, New York, NY – Nearly 40 million U.S. adults decided not to fill a prescription medication from a doctor in the past year because of the cost, according to pharmaceutical and healthcare market research company Manhattan Research’s Cybercitizen Health™ v8.0 consumer study and strategic advisory service. The study found that women and patients with neurological and mental health conditions were the most likely to give up their medication due to cost.

For those struggling to afford healthcare, online channels have become increasingly important resources. Over 145 million consumers are online for health, and this year’s Cybercitizen Health™ study saw the Internet surpass doctors as the top source for obtaining health and medical information.

Top Condition Groups Who Report Not Filling a Prescription Because of the Cost

Position             Condition
1.                      Fibromyalgia
2.                      Inflammatory Bowel Disease
3.                      Generalized Anxiety Disorder
4.                      Chronic Bronchitis
5.                      Chronic Pain
6.                      Acute Pain
7.                      Adult ADHD
8.                      Anxiety Disorder/Social Phobia
9.                      Bipolar Disorder
10.                    Depression

Among U.S. adults (18+)
Source: Cybercitizen Health™ v8.0 (2008)

“Healthcare costs and accessibility are major barriers for Americans, and many are turning to the Internet as an alternative resource for managing their health and making treatment decisions,” said Meredith Abreu Ressi, Vice President of Research at Manhattan Research. “While the Internet is an invaluable health resource for patient education and support, it doesn’t replace the expertise of a trained medical professional. Healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations can use online media to inform consumers of the importance of professional medical attention to their long-term health and to raise awareness of patient assistance programs."

Complimentary “State of eHealth” Report
For those interested in learning the latest trends of consumers using the Internet for health, Manhattan Research offers its “State of eHealth” report. Topics include the evolving consumer media mix, search engines for health information, and patients engaging in Health 2.0. To access the report, visit http://www.manhattanresearch.com/research/white-papers/state-of-ehealth.aspx

About Cybercitizen Health™ v8.0
Cybercitizen Health™ v8.0 was fielded in Q3 2008 among 8,714 U.S. adults (ages 18+). This consumer market research and strategic advisory service focuses on how consumers use new media and technology for health and its impact on treatment and product decisions. For topics and available therapeutic segmentations (100+), visit www.manhattanresearch.com/cch.