[November 19, 2012]

New Study Shows 72 Percent of European Online Consumers are Social Health Users

In 2012, 72 percent of European online consumers (ages 18 and older) are social health users*. According to the new Cybercitizen Health^® Europe 2012 study from healthcare market research and advisory firm Manhattan Research, 44 percent of European online consumers used social networking websites for health, 33 percent read or posted patient testimonials and 34 percent used health ratings or reviews. The study surveyed 3,020 consumers (ages 18 and older) in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom online in October 2012, on their use of digital media and technology for health and its influence on treatment and product decisions.

Additionally, the study found that adoption of social media for health varies by country. For example, compared with the other surveyed countries online consumers in Spain and Italy are most likely to use Facebook (News - Alert) for health, while health ratings and reviews see strongest adoption in Germany.

Social health users by country (percent is among those who are online in each country):

• All EU: 72 percent
• Spain: 83 percent
• Italy: 82 percent
• Germany: 76 percent
• France: 71 percent
• United Kingdom: 56 percent

"A large share of EU consumers is accessing health information from social feeds," said Principal Analyst Christina Anthogalidis. "Although dedicated health communities have been struggling for consumer participation for years, health threads on general platforms are finally driving the adoption of social health feeds. We believe this finding is pointing at a significant shift in the EU online helth content market."

*Social health users have conducted any of the following activities online for health within the past 12 months: used a community, group or social networking website, or conducted any social-related activity online such as reading or posting on health blogs, message boards or health ratings websites.

Cybercitizen Health^® Europe 2012 Webinar

Principal Analyst Christina Anthogalidis presents this recorded webinar with additional findings from the study for those interested in learning more about Cybercitizen Health^® Europe. Visit www.manhattanresearch.com/News-and-Events/Events/cybercitizen-health-europe-webinar to access the webinar or email sales@manhattanresearch.com.

About Cybercitizen Health^® Europe 2012

Cybercitizen Health® Europe is Manhattan Research's market research study and syndicated advisory service benchmarking how consumers in the France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom use the Internet, digital media, mobile devices and other technologies for health. The data can be segmented across a variety of key therapeutic audiences, including diagnosed patients, patients on Rx, caregivers and info seekers.

Key topics covered in the research include:

• Technology profile and digital behaviors
• Online health content and the patient journey
• Mobile health, including smartphone and tablet activities
• Social media for health and online health video
• Healthcare touch points beyond the doctor's office
• Online health at the point of care
• Pharma online information and services

For more information, please visit www.manhattanresearch.com/ccheu.

About Manhattan Research

Manhattan Research, a Decision Resources Group company, conducts annual research studies covering digital health trends among healthcare professionals and consumers in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Broad research can be segmented by target specialist and therapeutic audiences. For more information please contact sales@manhattanresearch.com, call 1.888.680.0800, ext 2, or visit www.manhattanresearch.com.

About Decision Resources Group

Decision Resources Group is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources Group at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.

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