INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Ninety-five percent of consumers are interested in products that come with rebates, while 80% of consumers actively seek out rebates, according to an annual consumer survey by rebate provider Parago.

The survey found that consumer preference for rebates versus instant discounts is growing. And while economic recovery may be on its way by the numbers, consumer sentiments around spending are still timid.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — According to findings in two America's Research Group surveys — conducted in late March and in late April — the number of Americans delaying their shopping to Memorial Day weekend is at an all-time high.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The number of prescriptions being sent electronically jumped by 75% between 2010 and 2011, while almost all of the retail pharmacies in the country are connected for e-prescribing, according to a new report by the country's largest e-prescribing network.

NEW YORK — A recent Nielsen survey revealed that in-store behaviors exhibited by U.S. smartphone owners who use their devices while shopping vary by store type.

Nielsen found that such behaviors as mobile couponing (either using or requesting a coupon) were most popular at grocery stores (41% of mobile shoppers reported using coupons there), department stores (41%) and clothing stores (39%), compared with other retail outlets — such as electronic stores, mass merchandisers, office supply stores, convenience stores, furniture stores and dollar stores.

ATLANTA — Asthma is having a growing effect on the country's health, according to a new study.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its "Asthma's Impact on the Nation" report Wednesday, based on data gathered using the "Asthma Call-back Survey" of people with the disease. An estimated 29.1 million American adults, or 12.7% of the total, have been diagnosed with asthma in their lifetimes, while 18.7 million, or 8.2%, still had asthma in 2010.

ALBANY, N.Y. — With state-led Medicaid redesign and federal healthcare delivery reform under way in New York state, the demand for nurse practitioners, physicians assistants and other healthcare professionals is anticipated to continue to increase, according to a recent report by the Healthcare Association of New York State, which is a statewide hospital and continuing care association.

NEW YORK — Consumers gravitate toward traditional pharmacies for their everyday health-and-wellness needs, according to the "2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend" survey released Monday. Among retail pharmacy operations, Walgreens enjoyed the greatest brand equity among consumers based on top consumer scores in "familiarity" and "purchase consideration" categories. Overall, Walgreens' brand equity was tabulated at 69.9, CVS/pharmacy came in at 67.4 and Rite Aid 62.5.

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. — A "live help" feature, detailed information about products and services, and access to personal account information are the three most important features consumers expect to find at a company's website, according to an annual survey by Oracle.