Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), 2007

The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) collects nationally representative data about the American public's access to and use of cancer-related information. The 2007 HINTS survey is the third in an ongoing biannual series and provides information on the changing patterns, needs, and behavior in seeking and supplying cancer information and explores how cancer risks are perceived. Respondents were asked about the ways in which they obtained health information, their use of health care services, their views about medical information and research, and their beliefs about cancer. A series of questions specifically addressed cervical cancer, colon cancer, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Information was also collected on physical and mental health status, diet, physical activity, sun exposure, history of cancer, tobacco use, and whether respondents had health insurance. Demographic variables include sex, age, race, education level, employment status, marital status, household income, number of people living in the household, ownership of residence, and whether respondents were born in the United States.