Most people believe that prescription drugs developed over the past 20 years have a positive value to society: nearly eight in ten (78%) say that prescription drugs have had a positive impact on the lives of Americans in general and almost six in ten (58%) say that prescription drugs have made a “big difference” in the lives of average people. Just over one in ten (13%) say prescription drugs have had a negative impact on quality of life and 4% say they have had no impact.

When asked about chronic health conditions, more than seven in ten (72%) say prescription medications have made a “big difference” in the lives of Americans with heart disease, followed by cancer (63%), HIV (52%) and mental illness (42%). Fewer people (18%) say prescription drugs have made a difference in the lives of obese people.