51% of wired patients search for Rx drug information on-line

New research carried out by the Pew Internet & American Life Project on behalf of the California HealthCare Foundation found that 51% of Internet users with a chronic condition or a disability carried out searches for prescription or over-the-counter drugs. The report did not specify whether the purpose for the search is to gather information only about drugs, or how to purchase them on-line.

The Pew study also found that the population surveyed was less likely to use the Internet, with about half versus 74% of people without a chronic condition. The results were gathered from a survey in August of 2,928 adults across the USA.

42% investigated alternative therapies