Content about Studies and Surveys

WASHINGTON — Consumers avoid total sugars more than they avoid any specific sweetener, according to a new brand-level consumer attitudes and behavior study about food and beverages from Mintel Research Consultancy on behalf of the Corn Refiners Association.

Approximately a quarter of soda, yogurt and bread brand purchasers (between 17 and 26%) say they are looking to reduce total sugars in their diet. In contrast, a nominal 1-5% of consumers purchasing these items cite avoiding a specific sweetener, such as high fructose corn syrup.

WASHINGTON — Retail sales are up nearly 5% from one year ago, according to the latest numbers from the Department of Commerce.

Amid improved consumer confidence and higher spending, May retail sales — which exclude cars, gas stations and restaurants — increased 4.8% from May 2012 and 0.6% from last month.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Only 15.5% of college students know that condoms don't fully protect a person from contacting the human papillomavirus, and this lack of knowledge can lead students to a false sense of security in their sexual practices, according to a new study in Radiologic Technology, a journal published by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

RICHMOND, Va. — Misperceptions and stereotypes about opioid dependence that may affect how it's treated have persisted among the general public and physicians, despite increased attention devoted to the issue, according to a new survey.

Are retail clinics a fad or a permanent and viable part of the healthcare landscape?

For those suffering from heart or lung disease, cancer, systemic infections or other all-too-common conditions, the science of medicine has made extraordinary advances over the past few decades. But millions of patients afflicted with an uncommon and little-understood disorder often are consigned to the far margins of medical care, in many cases, for years.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Recent data suggests that aspirin may be effective for reducing cancer deaths in addition to preventing heart attacks, raising the question whether the combined health benefits outweigh the risks of gastrointestinal bleeding and stroke for middle-aged men, researchers announced Wednesday.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is reminding private sector and government decision-makers about the public’s trust of community pharmacists as healthcare advisers and about the ability of new pharmacy services – in conjunction with physicians and other healthcare partners – to help empower patients to improve their health. The statement comes on the heels of an Aflac survey that revealed concerns about Americans’ confidence in their ability to play active roles in “consumer-driven healthcare.”

STEVENS, Pa. — A recent report from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States found consumers' tastes and preferences among drinkers are changing. While beer remains the alcoholic beverage of choice, reports the Beer Marketer's Insights, customers are trading up to purchase more wine and spirits in general, and more high-end beer, wine and spirits in particular.

COLUMBUS, Ga. — American workers are not prepared to take greater control of their health care in light of healthcare reform and rising healthcare costs, according to recent research.

NEW YORK — Drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder don't appear to increase children's risk of abusing drugs and alcohol later in life, according to a new study.

ST. LOUIS — Westport Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday announced findings from independent testing of their meth-resistant pseudoephedrine product, Zephrex-D. The specially formulated pseudoephedrine product helps make it impractical and nearly impossible to illicitly manufacture methamphetamine.

According to the January 2013 "General Accounting Office Report," more than 87% of domestic meth labs utilize the One Pot meth-making method. Testing demonstrates that meth cannot be produced from Zephrex-D using this popular One Pot method.