Older patients in particular are increasingly being informed about health issues

Almost every second German informs himself more often in terms of health
Almost half of Germans nowadays are more frequently informed about health issues than a few years ago. Older people in particular are more likely to be smart in this area. This is probably also to be able to better assess which therapies might be useful for them.

Health research on the Internet
What could this throbbing headache indicate? Which home remedies for colds work best? And what does it mean if the doctor diagnoses "sinusitis"? Questions like these often lead people to seek advice and information. Most Internet portals are the first point of contact in the health research. Patients are generally more interested in health today. This has also shown a recent survey.

Many Germans nowadays are much more informed about health issues than just a few years ago. Often, the Internet is used for health research. (Image: contrastwerkstatt / fotolia.com)

Germans are more frequently informed about health issues
In a representative survey conducted by the German Health Monitor of the German Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (BAH) in the second quarter of 2017, almost one in two Germans (44 percent) said that they were more frequently informed about health issues than two to three years ago was. Only one in seven received less information (15 percent).

Above all, people in the 50-59 age group said they were more likely to be smart than in previous years.

"Patients may also be better able to assess what treatment they are considering than they used to. This is especially relevant for self-medication with over-the-counter medicines, "Dr. Hermann Kortland, Deputy Chief Executive of the BAH, in a statement.

Every second drug delivered in pharmacies over the counter
As stated in the message from the drug manufacturers, patients with over-the-counter medicines receive quick help in the pharmacy without long waits for the doctor.

"The pharmacist then explains the benefits and limitations of drug therapy to patients," says Kortland.

The self-therapy of diseases without medical advice, however, is also viewed critically by other experts. Self-medication can be dangerous.

According to the BAH, every second drug sold in pharmacies is now over-the-counter. In 2016, 741 million non-prescription medicines were shipped to patients. This is an increase of 0.9 percent over the previous year. (Ad)