Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

The HINTS is a biennial national survey of the American public conducted by the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB) in the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS). The survey collects nationally representative data about the American public's use of cancer-related information. The survey:

• provides updates on changing patterns, needs, and information opportunities in health;
• identifies changing communications trends and practices;
• assesses cancer information access and usage;
• provides information about how cancer risks are perceived; and
• offers a testbed to researchers to test new theories in health communication.

Outcomes Research staff are actively involved in analyzing HINTS data and assisting in survey design. Staff also have played key roles in developing specific content areas of HINTS, including information-seeking, patient-centered communication, health numeracy, cancer screening behaviors, and cancer-related cognitions.