The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
A survey by National Public Radio, Kaiser Family Foundation, and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government shows that the vast majority of Americans are willing to forgo some civil liberties to fight terrorism and that they trust the government to do the right thing in carrying out the fight. However, Americans also hold strong beliefs in principle about civil liberties, and public attitudes may change if the threat of terrorism recedes.
Ten focus groups were conducted with voters April through July 2001, prior to the tragedies of September 11th and broad public recognition of an economic slowdown. The report, Effective Language and Themes for Talking About the Uninsured, finds that at that time: voters were still surprised by basic facts about the uninsured; voters seemed ready for messages about the uninsured that focus on the health and financial consequences of being uninsured, especially those centered on personal vulnerability; voters responded strongly when uninsured children were discussed and felt strongly that all of the uninsured are deserving of health coverage. Voters found less persuasive the arguments that linked having health insurance to having equal opportunities such as those provided by the public education system or that suggested that the large numbers of uninsured people hurt the economy because they cannot be as productive at their jobs.
Direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, particularly television advertising, has grown rapidly in the last few years. This nationally representative survey examines how consumers who are shown specific television prescription drug ads respond to such ads: what information they retain, what actions they predict they will take, and their views about this type of advertising.
More than half (57%) of the 2.5 million people who identify themselves solely as American Indian and Alaska Native in the 2000 Census live in metropolitan areas. This issue brief describes the large and growing urban Indian population, their health status, and the major federal health programs and federal-state programs that are available to improve Native Americans’ access to needed health services.
This November 2001 Chartbook updates data from last year’s chartbook, including information about prescription drug coverage, expenditures and prices, utilization, drug promotion, and the pharmaceutical industry.
New Surveys on Experiences of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals and the Public’s Views Related to Sexual Orientation
Although more than three quarters (76%) of lesbians, gays and bisexuals believe there is greater acceptance today, roughly equal numbers (74%) report that they have experienced prejudice and discrimination, and about one third (32%) report that they have been the target of physical violence because someone believed they were gay, according to a new survey, Inside-OUT: A Report on the Experiences of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals in America and the Public’s View on Issues and Policies Related to Sexual Orientation.
A new policy brief discusses issues involving over $11 billion of S-CHIP funds that states have not spent. It has been proposed that states could apply to use the funds for unemployed workers in these tough economic times. What are the implications?
This report, African Americans Views of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic at 20 Years: Findings from a National Survey, examines African Americans views and knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including analysis by race/ethnicity, of trends over time, and among African American subgroups. The report is based a nationally representative survey of 2,683 adults, ages 18 and older, including 431 African Americans. This report serves as a companion document to The AIDS Epidemic at 20 Years: The View From America.
Report (.pdf)
This report, Latinos Views of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic at 20 Years: Findings from a National Survey, examines Latinos views and knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including analysis by race/ethnicity, of trends over time, and among Latino subgroups. The report is based a nationally representative survey of 2,683 adults, ages 18 and older, including 549 Latinos. Interviews were completed in both English and Spanish according to respondent preference, and the report is available in both English and Spanish. This report serves as a companion piece to The AIDS Epidemic at 20 Years: The View From America.
Report: English Version
Report: Spanish Version
A new policy brief examines the role of Medicaid in state budgets, the reasons behind rising growth in the program, and explores strategies for states to cope with higher spending in tough economic times.