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  Part of a Series of Articles on the Annual Edelman Health Barometer Survey

In 2008, the public relations firm Edelman released the first edition of its Health Barometer, a multi-country study examining how people are managing and seeking information related to their health and wellness.  This study indicated that health consumers want personal, active engagement with companies and brands.  In addition, one-fifth of respondents to the study comprise a group the company dubbed "Health Info-entials."  These individuals are "involved, informed and engaged in health."

In April 2010, Edelman published the second edition of the Health Barometer.  Among the study's many findings is that a person's "life moment" such as becoming a parent or retirement has more potential to shift one's health behaviors than information from a physician, the media and other sources.  According to Edelman, 30% of respondents said aging motivated them to make better health choices versus 18% who said learning about new treatment options prompted them to make behavioral changes. 

Other findings from the study include: 

• Focusing on health will be a critical business strategy in the future, meaning that companies should take steps to protect and enhance the health of employees, customers and others
• When it comes to health, people have different expectations of various industries; for example, 50% of respondents indicated that biopharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to focus on solving global health problems

Survey Methodology

According to Edelman, "the Edelman Health Engagement Barometer 2010 sampled 15,257 adults 18 years and older in the following countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Approximately 1,000 interviews were conducted in each country, with the exception of the United States, where a total of 5,179 interviews were conducted. The US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan were weighted to be representative of the total population."

Read the Press Release

Read the Edelman Health Engagement Barometer 2010 press release below.

Edelman Health Engagement Barometer 2010 Press Release