The Health Information National Trends Survey is an annual national sampling on how Americans find, understand and act on health information. Run by the National Cancer Institute, it surveys adults across the country about where they turn for cancer and health information, how much they trust those sources and how that shapes their behavior. The results help reporters, researchers, and policymakers track shifts in the media and technology landscape and spot emerging gaps in access, understanding, and trust.
Deeper Dive
Each wave of HINTS asks about the basics of health communication: media exposure, internet use, trust in different messengers and the role of social and digital platforms. It also digs into what people believe about cancer and other health risks, how they weigh those risks and whether they follow prevention and screening recommendations. Alongside questions on behaviors like diet, exercise, and smoking, the survey collects demographic and clinical details, allowing researchers to assess experiences by age, race, income, geography, and health status.
For journalists, HINTS offers an important backdrop for stories about misinformation, digital divides and the changing doctor–patient relationship. This survey is longitudinal; it allows journalists to assess whether public opinion is shifting or if a communication campaign is ineffective, providing real-world evidence to inform coverage of health policy and public outreach.