Health & Medical Research Public Opinion Poll 2002

Research Australia’s first public opinion poll on health and medical research was conducted by ACNielsen. It surveyed a national sample of 1,025 adults aged 18 and older through ACNielsen’s Telephone Omnibus over the weekend of 8–10 March 2002, with results weighted to the 2002 population. The poll was intended to establish baseline knowledge of public perceptions and attitudes, and it found that 86% of respondents were interested or very interested in health and medical research. More than half (55%) would consult their doctor for information on the latest treatments and trials, and 36% would use the internet. Respondents most often believed that medical research institutes (50%) and universities (40%) conducted most research, while the Federal Government (39%) and pharmaceutical companies (35%) were seen as the main funders. Seventy-eight per cent believed government funding for medical research should be increased, and only 1% thought it should be decreased. Eighty-four per cent were willing to pay $1 more for each prescription medicine if the money went to additional health and medical research, and 76% favoured health insurance funds contributing a percentage of their funds to medical research. Collaboration among researchers was considered high or moderate by 56%, while 15% felt unable to judge. Research to cure or treat existing illness was rated extremely important by 85%, slightly ahead of research to promote good health and prevent disease (78%).