Edelman report highlights importance of social factors in healthcare

Edelman has published a new report highlighting the vital role played by family and friends in aiding personal health.

The Edelman Health Barometer 2011 report, which solicited the views of 15,165 adults from more than 12 countries, has found that 43 percent of people believe their nearest and dearest have the most impact on their lifestyle as it relates to health.

More than a third also cited family and friends as having a strong effect on their nutrition, while a lack of support from those closest can also have a negative impact on those attempting to implement healthy lifestyle changes.

Edelman's report also suggested that these trends could demonstrate a need for those with healthy lifestyles to engage actively with those who are less healthy, allowing them to spread their good health.

Nancy Turett, global president for health at Edelman, said: "Health – good and bad – is communicable and it is the responsibility of every citizen, especially those of us with leadership roles in any sector or industry, to act on this."

Last month, the organisation announced the expansion of its European health team with the appointment of UK expert Dave Pinnington as head of digital health.