Discourse analysis of the written press reports regarding rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis

Assessment of the Sources of Information by Patients With Rheumatic Diseases

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to ascertain the frequency of use, search intent (SI), level of accessibility, and degree of reliability of sources of information (SOIs) in rheumatology.

METHODS

A survey among adult outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and spondyloarthritis was conducted. They were asked if they had procured information from 12 selected SOIs during the past year. Search intent was defined as the source they would like to consult. Accessibility and reliability were assessed through 0-to-10 scales (minimum and maximum, respectively).

RESULTS

Four hundred two patients were surveyed. They had consulted a median of 3 SOIs (interquartile range, 2-6) but described a higher SI: median of 5 SOIs (interquartile range 3-8); p = 0.001.The most consulted SOIs were the physician (83%), other patients (45%), and Facebook (36%). The main differences between SI and the searches actually performed were observed in community lectures by health care professionals (49%), scientific societies (48%), and associations of patients (27%); p < 0.001. These 3 sources showed low level of accessibility. Facebook, press, radio, and YouTube were the least reliable sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients consulted a median of 3 SOIs but reported a significantly higher SI. Although patients demand more information, the request is leveled at SOIs with difficult accessibility but high reliability.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Portrayal by UK National Newspapers 2011-2016: A Service User - Led Thematic Analysis of Language Used

BACKGROUND

An important source of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about illness is the mass media. Research has established the often negative and emotive language utilised by journalists to report on physical and mental long-term illnesses. The limited amount of research on rheumatological conditions has largely focused on the extent of, and/or accuracy of media coverage. This is the first published study to examine systematically the language used by the United Kingdom (UK) popular press to specifically describe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A patient and public involvement (PPI) approach, involving academics and service users with RA, was used to conduct the research. LexisNexis online repository of print media was searched for articles within a defined five year time frame, which included RA in the headline and/or lead paragraph of 15 UK national non-specialist newspapers. Resultant articles were uploaded to NVivo, and a realist perspective aided a thematic analysis of the data set.

RESULTS

A search of LexisNexis produced 413 newspaper articles, of which 147 met the inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged: (1) language used to describe RA; (2) language used to refer to those who live with RA and; (3) language used to report on potential new treatments for RA. Negative and emotive terms such as 'attack', 'painful', 'crippling', and 'agony' were the most frequently used to describe the experience of RA. People diagnosed with RA were often portrayed as 'sufferers' or 'victims', though neutral language was also deployed. 'Hope' and 'breakthrough' were the most reported terms for potential new treatments for RA. Across the three themes, tabloid and middle market newspaper articles applied more sensationalised language with attention grabbing headlines and news stories. By contrast, such emotive terminology was less apparent in broadsheets.

CONCLUSIONS

The media is a source of information about RA for the general population, but the quality of newspaper journalism about the condition requires improvement. The findings may act as a stimulus for a national public awareness initiative and/or social marketing campaign. How the language currently constructed to describe RA in the press is received by people with RA would be an important area for future research.