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Docs More Supportive of Stem Cell Research Funding Than Consumers After Viewing President's Speech

Posted on: Wednesday, 11 March 2009, 12:58 CDT

- Physicians across all political parties more supportive of stem cell research funding than consumers -

FLEMINGTON, N.J., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national study conducted among 962 physicians and consumers revealed that physicians are more supportive of stem cell research than consumers after watching President Obama's speech on Monday.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071204/NYTU133LOGO)

Among physicians, more than half (55%) reported that they agree with federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, compared to 43% of consumers who indicated that they agree with federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

The study was conducted by HCD Research on March 9 to obtain physicians' and consumers' perceptions of President Obama's speech on Monday in which he announced that federal funding would be provided for human embryonic stem cell research. To view agreement curves and detailed results go to: www.mediacurves.com

Viewers were generally supportive and hopeful after watching President Obama's speech. The majority of consumers (68%) and doctors (73%) agreed that this policy change would have a positive impact on the United States' position as an innovator in health care.

Doctors also reported feeling more hopeful about the impact that federal funding for stem cell research will have compared to consumers. The strongest emotion reported by doctors and consumers after watching the speech was 'inspiration.'

While most doctors across all political parties were generally supportive and hopeful of the policy change, consumers' responses were significantly disparate based on their reported political affiliation. Among consumers, 63% of Democrats and 56% of Independents agree with funding for stem cell research, while only 18% of Republicans agree.

Among the findings:

"How much do you agree with federal funding for embryonic stem cell research?"

Consumers Doctors Total Democrats Republicans Independents Total (n=326) (n=104) (n=102) (n=112) (n=636) Completely 43% 63% 18% 56% 55% Somewhat 31% 31% 33% 28% 29% Not at all 23% 7% 49% 16% 17%

Please indicate the effect you think this policy change regarding stem cell research will have on the United States' position as an innovator in health care.

Consumers Doctors Total Democrats Republicans Independents Total (n=326) (n=104) (n=102) (n=112) (n=636) Positive 68% 84% 38% 79% 73% Negative 18% 8% 37% 11% 10% None 14% 9% 25% 11% 18%

Which of the following emotions did you feel the most while viewing the speech?

Consumers Doctors Total Democrats Republicans Independents Total (n=326) (n=104) (n=102) (n=112) (n=636) Anger 4% 0% 10% 2% 4% Inspiration 33% 423% 13% 40% 34% Sadness 4% 10% 11% 3% 3% Skepticism 18% 9% 29% 16% 24% Confusion 5% 7% 25% 3% 1% Disturbing 9% 73% 19% 6% 6% Embarrassment 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% Pride 12% 21% 4% 12% 10% Happiness 16% 17% 9% 19% 18%

While viewing the video clip, participants indicated their levels of agreement by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also post-viewing questions.

The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans' perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.

HCD Research is a communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ. The company's services include traditional and web-based communications research. For additional information on HCD Research, access the company's web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393.

SOURCE HCD Research, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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