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Kikut A, Williams S, Hornik R. A Toxic Blend: Assessing the Effects of Cross-Source Media Coverage of Flavored E-Cigarettes on Youth and Young Adult Perceptions. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 25:640-649. [PMID: 33104493 PMCID: PMC9447990 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2020.1834032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Flavored e-cigarettes have received high attention across social and news media. How does exposure to e-cigarette flavors across multiple sources in the media environment influence youth e-cigarette perceptions? To address this question, we identified e-cigarette flavor mentions on 24.3 million Twitter posts and 11,691 longform texts (newspapers, broadcast news, and websites) disseminated over 3 years (2014-2017). During the same period, we measured e-cigarette beliefs through a nationally representative randomly sampled rolling survey of 13-26-year-olds (N = 4,470, 1013 days). We estimated the association between flavor-specific content on Twitter and longform sources in the 28 days prior to each survey date and perceptions that e-cigarettes taste good. The interaction of coverage on Twitter and longform sources was significantly associated with more favorable perceptions of e-cigarette taste (OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.41); the main effects of each source type were not significant. This study presents a novel approach to evaluating the effects of cross-source coverage in today's complex media landscape and may strengthen claims for media influence on e-cigarette use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Kikut
- Corresponding Author: 3620 Walnut St., Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, United States, (; phone: 802-777-0456)
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2
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Rowbotham S, Astell-Burt T, Barakat T, Hawe P. 30+ years of media analysis of relevance to chronic disease: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:364. [PMID: 32192448 PMCID: PMC7083065 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8365-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic, non-communicable diseases are a significant public health priority, requiring action at individual, community and population levels, and public and political will for such action. Exposure to media, including news, entertainment, and advertising media, is likely to influence both individual behaviours, and attitudes towards preventive actions at the population level. In recent years there has been a proliferation of research exploring how chronic diseases and their risk factors are portrayed across various forms of media. This scoping review aims to map the literature in this area to identify key themes, gaps, and opportunities for future research in this area. METHODS We searched three databases (Medline, PsycINFO and Global Health) in July 2016 and identified 499 original research articles meeting inclusion criteria: original research article, published in English, focusing on media representations of chronic disease (including how issues are framed in media, impact or effect of media representations, and factors that influence media representations). We extracted key data from included articles and examined the health topics, media channels and methods of included studies, and synthesised key themes across studies. RESULTS Our findings show that research on media portrayals of chronic disease increased substantially between 1985 and 2016. Smoking and nutrition were the most frequent health topics, and television and print were the most common forms of media examined, although, as expected, research on online and social media channels has increased in recent years. The majority of studies focused on the amount and type of media coverage, including how issues are framed, typically using content analysis approaches. In comparison, there was much less research on the influences on and consequences of media coverage related to chronic disease, suggesting an important direction for future work. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight key themes across media research of relevance to chronic disease. More in-depth syntheses of studies within the identified themes will allow us to draw out the key patterns and learnings across the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Rowbotham
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. .,The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.,School of Public Health, Peking Union Medical College and The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, China
| | - Tala Barakat
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Penelope Hawe
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sydney, Australia.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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3
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Gall Myrick J, Noar SM, Sontag JM, Kelley D. Connections between sources of health and beauty information and indoor tanning behavior among college women. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2020; 68:163-168. [PMID: 30485157 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1536662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study tested how media, family, and peer sources of health and beauty information predict indoor tanning (IT) beliefs and behavior. Participants: 210 undergraduate women at a state university in the southeastern United States. Methods: Respondents completed a survey about sources of health and beauty information, IT beliefs, and IT behavior. Correlations and a path model were used to test associations between variables. Results: Friends were positively and family were negatively associated with positive outcome expectations, with mood enhancement beliefs positively predicting behavior. Reliance on news positively predicted appearance damage and immediate risk, which both predicted behavior. Reliance on social media was negatively associated with beliefs about immediate risks. Conclusion: Health and beauty information from social media and from friends may promote beliefs about tanning, while information from news or one's family may reduce risky beliefs. Prevention efforts could leverage information sources to shift tanning beliefs and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gall Myrick
- Department of Film/Video and Media Studies, Bellisario College of Communications, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Seth M Noar
- School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennah M Sontag
- Center for Tobacco Studies, School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Dannielle Kelley
- Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Rossmann C, Meyer L, Schulz PJ. The Mediated Amplification of a Crisis: Communicating the A/H1N1 Pandemic in Press Releases and Press Coverage in Europe. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2018; 38:357-375. [PMID: 28561885 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the aftermath of the A/H1N1 pandemic, health authorities were criticized for failures in crisis communication efforts, and the media were accused of amplifying the pandemic. Considering these criticisms, A/H1N1 provides a suitable case for examining risk amplification processes that may occur in the transfer of information from press releases to print news media during a health crisis. We integrated the social amplification of risk framework with theories of news decisions (news values, framing) in an attempt to contribute to existing research both theoretically and empirically. We conducted a quantitative content analysis of press releases disseminated by health and governmental authorities, as well as the quality and tabloid press in 10 European countries between March 2009 and March 2011. Altogether 243 press releases, 1,243 quality press articles, and 834 tabloid press articles were coded. Consistent with research on news values and framing the results suggest that quality and tabloid papers alike amplified A/H1N1 risks by emphasizing conflict and damage, presenting information in a more dramatized way, and using risk-amplifying frames to a greater extent and risk-attenuating frames to a lesser extent than press releases. To some extent, the quality and tabloid press differed in how risk information was presented. While tabloid press articles seemed to follow the leading quality press with regards to content and framing of health crisis coverage, they exhibited a stronger emphasis on drama and emotion in the way they presented information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Rossmann
- Department of Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Lisa Meyer
- Department of Media and Communication Science, University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Peter J Schulz
- Institute of Communication and Health (ICH), University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
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5
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Tang L, Park SE. Sun Exposure, Tanning Beds, and Herbs That Cure: An Examination of Skin Cancer on Pinterest. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2017; 32:1192-1200. [PMID: 27588747 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2016.1214223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting the U.S. POPULATION Pinterest.com, a virtual bookmarking social media site, has the potential to disseminate skin cancer-related information among young women, the group with the fastest increase in skin cancer diagnosis. This article presents a quantitative content analysis of pins about skin cancer on Pinterest guided by agenda-setting theory and the health belief model. Overall, sun exposure and tanning beds were most frequently discussed as the causes of skin cancer, and alternative therapies such as herbal medicine were discussed more than traditional biomedical treatment or prevention. Highly repinned pins tend to include more information than regular pins. Different types of skin cancer (melanoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and basal-cell carcinoma) received the same amount of coverage; however, pins about nonmelanoma skin cancer (such as squamous-cell carcinoma and basal-cell carcinoma) were often information-poor. They were less likely to include information on the causes, prevention, and the biomedical treatment of skin cancer and were less likely to include health belief constructs associated with the promotion of skin cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tang
- a Department of Communication Studies , University of Alabama
| | - Sung-Eun Park
- b College of Communication and Information Sciences , University of Alabama
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6
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Alshamsan FM, Bin-Abbas BS. Knowledge, awareness, attitudes and sources of vitamin D deficiency and sufficiency in Saudi children. Saudi Med J 2017; 37:579-83. [PMID: 27146624 PMCID: PMC4880661 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2016.5.14951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding vitamin D and its sources among Saudi Arabian children. METHODS One hundred patients (vitamin D-deficient children) and 100 healthy children participated in the study. Participants were interviewed separately on topics including their awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding vitamin D using multiple-choice, and short-answer questions. This prospective, cross-sectional study was performed on children and adolescents between January 2011 and December 2011 at the Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS Only 28% were aware of the sources of vitamin D, while 64% of healthy subjects were aware. Similarly, only 50% of patients and their parents knew of the health benefits of vitamin D, while 70% of healthy subjects had knowledge. Hence, our findings agree with previous findings that low levels of awareness and knowledge regarding vitamin D and its sources persist. CONCLUSION Most vitamin D deficient cases were unaware of vitamin D sources. However, half of the patient/parents were aware of benefits of vitamin D. Hence, we recommend that an improved campaign for awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding vitamin D and its sources are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatimah M Alshamsan
- Nutrition Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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7
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Wilbur K, Berzou S, Meeds R. Framing diabetes public health information during Ramadan - a newspaper content analysis. J Int Med Res 2017; 45:1750-1759. [PMID: 28449633 PMCID: PMC5805176 DOI: 10.1177/0300060516650983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate health-related messages in printed media pertaining to diabetes
care in Qatar during Ramadan. Methods Qatar national newspapers (Arabic and/or English) published 6 weeks prior to
and 4 weeks during Ramadan 2012 were reviewed. Health-related content was
identified and characterized according to four different categories
including presence of messages pertaining to both diabetes and Ramadan.
Articles describing diabetes and Ramadan combined were further evaluated
according to specific features of prominence (surrogates for perceived
reader importance). Newspapers were grouped by language, and volume and
content of coverage were compared between groups. Results A total of 1 467 newspaper issues published during the 2012 review period
(781 in Arabic and 686 in English) were analysed. Health-related articles
appeared consistently throughout the study period, but few were specifically
diabetes-related (66/1095 [6%] Arabic articles versus 34/1250 [2.7%] English
articles; P = 0.008). Only 34/1095 (3.1%) Arabic and
23/1 250 (1.8%) English (P = 0.05) articles pertaining
specifically to diabetes management during Ramadan were published. Twenty/34
(59%, Arabic) and 6/23 (26%, English) were published in high prominence
positions. Conclusions Opportunity exists to augment the relatively low coverage of diabetes
health-related messages in print media during Ramadan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Wilbur
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University,
Doha, Qatar
- Kerry Wilbur, College of Pharmacy, Qatar
University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Souad Berzou
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University,
Doha, Qatar
| | - Robert Meeds
- Department of Mass Communication, Qatar
University, Doha, Qatar
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8
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Predictors of sun protection behaviours and sunburn among Australian adolescents. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:565. [PMID: 27411518 PMCID: PMC4944266 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive sun exposure and sunburn increase individuals' risk of skin cancer. It is especially important to prevent sunburn in childhood due to the higher relative risk of skin cancer across the life span compared to risk associated with sunburn episodes experienced later in life. This study examined demographic and attitudinal factors associated with engagement in a range of sun protection behaviours (wearing a hat, wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade, and staying indoors during the middle of the day) and the frequency of sunburn among Western Australian adolescents to provide insights of relevance for future sun protection campaigns. METHODS Cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted annually with Western Australians between 2005/06 and 2014/15. The results from 4150 adolescents aged 14-17 years were used to conduct a path analysis of factors predicting various sun protection behaviours and sunburn. RESULTS Significant primary predictors of the sun protection behaviours included in the study were skin type (sun sensitivity), gender, tanning-related attitudes and behaviours, and perceived relevance of public service advertisements that advocate sun protection. Of the four sun protection behaviours investigated, staying in the shade and staying indoors during the middle of the day were associated with a lower frequency of sunburn. CONCLUSION There is a particular need to target sun protection messages at adolescent males who are less likely to engage in the most effective sun protection behaviours and demonstrate an increased propensity to experience sunburn. The results suggest that such future sun protection messages should include a focus on the importance of staying in the shade or indoors during periods of high UV radiation to increase awareness of the efficacy of these methods of avoiding skin cancer.
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9
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McWhirter JE, Hoffman-Goetz L. Coverage of Skin Cancer Risk Factors and UV Behaviors in Popular U.S. Magazines from 2000 to 2012. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2016; 31:382-388. [PMID: 25761763 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-015-0808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mass media is an influential source of skin cancer and tanning information for the public, but we know little about its content or emphasis. The objective of this research was to describe the volume and nature of skin cancer and tanning messages in 20 popular U.S. men's and women's magazines (2000-2012). We used a directed content analysis to determine frequency information about risk factors and ultraviolet (UV) behaviors in 608 articles and 930 images. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests determined coverage differences based on content type (text vs. image) and target audience (women vs. men). UV exposure was the most common risk factor mentioned (37.7 %) and sunscreen use the most common behavior encouraged (60.0 %); information about other risk factors and protective behaviors was uncommon. Both articles (25.2 %) and images (36.9 %) promoted the tanned look as attractive. In most cases, images infrequently contained helpful information on skin cancer risk factors and prevention, except for high-SPF sunscreens. Women's magazines published more articles on skin cancer and tanning than men's magazines (456 vs. 159, χ(2) = 143.43, P < .01), and the nature of the messages differed between them. Magazine skin cancer and tanning content may contribute to inaccurate public understanding of risks and prevention. These findings are relevant to cancer educators, who may wish to counter potentially harmful messages and enhance positive ones through cancer education efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E McWhirter
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Laurie Hoffman-Goetz
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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10
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McWhirter JE, Hoffman-Goetz L. Application of the Health Belief Model to U.S. Magazine Text and Image Coverage of Skin Cancer and Recreational Tanning (2000-2012). JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2016; 21:424-438. [PMID: 26940663 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2015.1095819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The health belief model (HBM) has been widely used to inform health education, social marketing, and health communication campaigns. Although the HBM can explain and predict an individual's willingness to engage in positive health behaviors, its application to, and penetration of the underlying constructs into, mass media content has not been well characterized. We examined 574 articles and 905 images about skin cancer and tanning risks, behaviors, and screening from 20 U.S. women's and men's magazines (2000-2012) for the presence of HBM constructs: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. Susceptibility (48.1%) and severity (60.3%) information was common in text. Perceived benefits (36.4%) and barriers (41.5%) to prevention of skin cancer were fairly equally mentioned in articles. Self-efficacy (48.4%) focused on sunscreen use. There was little emphasis on HBM constructs related to early detection. Few explicit cues to action about skin cancer appeared in text (12.0%) or images (0.1%). HBM constructs were present to a significantly greater extent in text versus images (e.g., severity, 60.3% vs. 11.3%, respectively, χ(2) = 399.51, p < .0001; benefits prevention, 36.4% vs. 8.0%, respectively, χ(2) = 184.80, p < .0001), suggesting that readers are not visually messaged in ways that would effectively promote skin cancer prevention and early detection behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E McWhirter
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Ontario , Canada
| | - Laurie Hoffman-Goetz
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Ontario , Canada
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11
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Djaja N, Janda M, Lucas RM, Harrison SL, van der Mei I, Ebeling PR, Neale RE, Whiteman DC, Nowak M, Kimlin MG. Self-Reported Changes in Sun-Protection Behaviors at Different Latitudes in Australia. Photochem Photobiol 2016; 92:495-502. [PMID: 26914695 DOI: 10.1111/php.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sun exposure is the most important source of vitamin D, but is also a risk factor for skin cancer. This study investigated attitudes toward vitamin D, and changes in sun-exposure behavior due to concern about adequate vitamin D. Participants (n = 1002) were recruited from four regions of Australia and completed self- and interviewer-administered surveys. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between participants' latitude of residence, vitamin D-related attitudes and changes in sun-exposure behaviors during the last summer. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to model the association between attitudes and behaviors. Overall, people who worried about their vitamin D status were more likely to have altered sun protection and spent more time in the sun people not concerned about vitamin D. Concern about vitamin D was also more common with increasing latitude. Use of novel item response theory analysis highlighted the potential impact of self-reported behavior change on skin cancer predisposition due concern to vitamin. This cross-sectional study shows that the strongest determinants of self-reported sun-protection behavior changes due to concerns about vitamin D were attitudes and location, with people at higher latitudes worrying more.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngadiman Djaja
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Monika Janda
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,National Centre for Epidemiology and Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Simone L Harrison
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,JCU Skin Cancer Research Group, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia.,Anton Breinl Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Ingrid van der Mei
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Hobart, Tas., Australia
| | - Peter R Ebeling
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Rachel E Neale
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - David C Whiteman
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Madeleine Nowak
- JCU Skin Cancer Research Group, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia.,Anton Breinl Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Michael G Kimlin
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence in Sun and Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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12
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Gurman TA, Clark T. #ec: Findings and implications from a quantitative content analysis of tweets about emergency contraception. Digit Health 2016; 2:2055207615625035. [PMID: 29942548 PMCID: PMC6001247 DOI: 10.1177/2055207615625035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Twitter, a popular social media, helps users around the world quickly share and receive information. The way in which Twitter frames health issues - especially controversial issues like emergency contraception (EC) - can influence public opinion. The current study analyzed all English-language EC-related tweets from March 2011 (n = 3535). Variables measured user characteristics (e.g. gender), content (e.g. news, humor), Twitter-specific strategy (e.g. retweet), and certain time periods (e.g. weekends). The analysis applied chi-square and regression analyses to the variables. Tweets most frequently focused on content related to news (27.27%), accessing EC (27.27%), and humor (25.63%). Among tweets that were shared, however, the most common content included humor, followed by personal/vicarious experience. Although only 5.54% of shared tweets mentioned promiscuity, this content category had the strongest odds for being shared (OR = 1.51; p = 0.031). The tweet content with lowest odds of being shared were side effects (OR = 0.24; p < 0.001), drug safety (OR = 0.44; p < 0.001), and news (OR = 0.44; p < 0.001). Tweets with the greatest odds of having been sent on a weekend sought advice (OR = 1.94; p = 0.012), addressed personal or vicarious experience (OR = 1.91; p < 0.001), or contained humor (OR = 1.56; p < 0.001). Similar patterns occurred in tweets sent around St. Patrick's Day. Only a few differences were found in the ways in which male and female individuals discussed EC on Twitter. In particular, when compared to males, females mentioned birth control (p = 0.002), EC side effects (p = 0.024), and issues related to responsibility (p = 0.003) more often than expected. Study findings offer timely and practical suggestions for public health professionals wanting to communicate about EC via Twitter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilly A Gurman
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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McWhirter JE, Hoffman-Goetz L. North American Magazine Coverage of Skin Cancer and Recreational Tanning Before and After the WHO/IARC 2009 Classification of Indoor Tanning Devices as Carcinogenic. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2015; 30:477-481. [PMID: 25189799 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-014-0726-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The mass media is an influential source of skin cancer information for the public. In 2009, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified UV radiation from tanning devices as carcinogenic. Our objective was to determine if media coverage of skin cancer and recreational tanning increased in volume or changed in nature after this classification. We conducted a directed content analysis on 29 North American popular magazines (2007-2012) to investigate the overall volume of articles on skin cancer and recreational tanning and, more specifically, the presence of skin cancer risk factors, UV behaviors, and early detection information in article text (n = 410) and images (n = 714). The volume of coverage on skin cancer and recreational tanning did not increase significantly after the 2009 classification of tanning beds as carcinogenic. Key-related messages, including that UV exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer and that indoor tanning should be avoided, were not reported more frequently after the classification, but the promotion of the tanned look as attractive was conveyed more often in images afterwards (p < .01). Content promoting high-SPF sunscreen use increased after the classification (p < .01), but there were no significant positive changes in the frequency of coverage of skin cancer risk factors, other UV behaviors, or early detection information over time. The classification of indoor tanning beds as carcinogenic had no significant impact on the volume or nature of skin cancer and recreational tanning coverage in magazines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E McWhirter
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada,
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Reinau D, Meier CR, Blumenthal R, Surber C. Skin Cancer Prevention, Tanning and Vitamin D: A Content Analysis of Print Media in Germany and Switzerland. Dermatology 2015; 232:2-10. [PMID: 26278913 DOI: 10.1159/000435913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Print media are a major source of health information. OBJECTIVES To analyse press coverage related to skin cancer prevention. METHODS We conducted a content analysis of print media articles pertaining to skin cancer prevention, solaria and vitamin D published in Germany and Switzerland over a 1-year period between 2012 and 2013. RESULTS Overall, 2,103 articles were analysed. Applying sunscreen was by far the most common sun protection recommendation. A considerable number of articles on solaria and vitamin D advocated exposure to ultraviolet radiation to enhance physical appearance and vitamin D photosynthesis, often without mentioning any precaution measures. In total, 26.8% of the articles contained misleading or erroneous statements mostly related to sunscreen use and vitamin D issues. CONCLUSIONS Print media can serve as powerful education tools to foster skin cancer prevention. However, misleading or erroneous reports may negatively impact sun-safe behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Reinau
- Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Division of Clinical Pharmacy and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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McWhirter JE, Hoffman-Goetz L. Skin deep: Coverage of skin cancer and recreational tanning in Canadian women's magazines (2000-2012). Canadian Journal of Public Health 2015; 106:e236-43. [PMID: 26285196 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.106.4795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Skin cancer is a significant public health problem among Canadians. Knowledge and attitudes about health are informed by mass media. The aim of our study was to describe the volume and nature of coverage of skin cancer and recreational tanning in Canadian women's magazines. METHODS Directed content analysis on article text and images in six popular Canadian women's magazines (Chatelaine, Canadian Living, Homemakers, Flare, FASHION, ELLE Canada) from 2000-2012 with attention to risk factors, ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure and protection behaviours, and early detection. Six popular American women's magazines were used for a between-country comparison. RESULTS There were 154 articles (221 images) about skin cancer and tanning published over 13 years. Volume of coverage did not increase in a linear fashion over time. The most common risk factor reported on was UV exposure (39%), with other risk factors less frequently identified. Although 72% of articles promoted sunscreen use, little content encouraged other protection behaviours. Only 15% of articles and 1% of images discouraged indoor tanning, while 41% of articles and 53% of images promoted the tanned look as attractive. Few articles (<11%) reported on early detection. Relative to American magazines, Canadian magazines had a greater proportion of content that encouraged sunscreen use and promoted the tanned look and a lesser proportion of content on risk factors and early detection. CONCLUSION Skin cancer and tanning messages in Canadian women's magazines had a narrow focus and provided limited information on risk factors or screening. Conflicting messages about prevention (text vs. images) may contribute to harmful UV behaviours among Canadian women.
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McWhirter JE, Hoffman-Goetz L. Skin cancer early detection information in popular US magazines (2000-2012). J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 72:1081-2. [PMID: 25981005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E McWhirter
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laurie Hoffman-Goetz
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
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McWhirter JE, Hoffman-Goetz L. Coverage of skin cancer and recreational tanning in North American magazines before and after the landmark 2006 International Agency for Research on Cancer report. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:169. [PMID: 25884779 PMCID: PMC4342877 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1511-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin cancer is an increasingly important global public health problem. Mass media is a key source of skin cancer information. We examined how media coverage of skin cancer has changed over time as a consequence of the release of a key public health report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2006, which linked ultraviolet (UV) radiation from indoor tanning and skin cancer. METHODS A directed content analysis of skin cancer and tanning coverage in 29 popular North American magazines (2001-2012) examined reporting of skin cancer risk factors, UV behaviors, and early detection in article text (n = 761) and images (n = 1267). Chi-square and correlational analyses were used determine whether coverage changed in relation to the 2006 IARC report. RESULTS The total volume of articles about skin cancer and tanning increased modestly after the IARC report (χ (2) = 4.57, df = 1, p < .05); however, key IARC report messages (e.g., avoid indoor tanning, UV as a risk factor) were no more likely to be reported after compared to before the report. There were virtually no changes in the percentage of coverage for both risk factors and early detection information over time. There were some changes in the percentage of coverage about UV behaviors after the IARC report, but these variables were not directly related to the report. Magazines were more likely to encourage sunscreen use (χ (2) = 11.55, df = 1, p < .01) and less likely to promote the tanned look as attractive (χ (2) = 9.72, df = 1, p < .01) after the IARC report. It also became less common for magazines to promote sun avoidance (χ (2) = 6.82, df = 1, p < .01) and use of sunless tanners (χ (2) = 7.46, df = 1, p < .01) after the report. CONCLUSIONS Despite a modest increase in volume of coverage post-IARC report, key messages from the report were not taken up by the media. While there have been some improvements in magazine reporting, there is a need for more effective dissemination of public health messages about skin cancer and tanning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E McWhirter
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue W, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1.
| | - Laurie Hoffman-Goetz
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue W, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1.
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Knowledge and attitudes to vitamin D and sun exposure in elite New Zealand athletes: a cross-sectional study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2014; 11:47. [PMID: 25253998 PMCID: PMC4172920 DOI: 10.1186/s12970-014-0047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sun safety and vitamin D status are important for prolonged health. They are of particular interest to those working with athletes for whom for whom safe sun practices maybe limited. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the attitudes of elite New Zealand athletes to both vitamin D and sun exposure. Methods 110 elite New Zealand outdoor athletes volunteered to participate in an interview with a trained interviewer. The interviewer asked the athletes questions on their Vitamin D knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sun exposure as well as their concerns about skin cancer. Results Athletes were more concerned about their risk of skin cancer (66%) than their vitamin D status (6%). Although the majority (97%) were aware of Vitamin D and could identify the sun as a source (76%) only 17% could name another source of Vitamin D. Only 10 (9%) reported always applying sunscreen before going out in the sun. No athlete reported reapplying sunscreen every hour and 25 suggesting that they never reapply sunscreen. Conclusions Athletes are concerned about skin cancer however, their use of sunscreen is not optimal suggesting reapplication of sunscreen could be targeted in order to reduce the risk of sun cancer. Awareness of sources of Vitamin D other than the sun may also need to be improved potentially through educational interventions and possibly in conjunction with sun smart messages.
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Scully M, Makin J, Maloney S, Wakefield M. Changes in coverage of sun protection in the news: threats and opportunities from emerging issues. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2014; 29:378-387. [PMID: 24650946 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyu013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether there have been shifts in news coverage of sun protection issues over a 12-year period in the context of an evolving skin cancer prevention agenda. A content analysis was performed on all relevant articles (N = 552) published in the two metropolitan daily newspapers in Melbourne, Australia, from 2001 to 2012. Coding variables included theme, article type, prominence, spokesperson and topic slant. Articles were collapsed into three 4-year blocks and a series of chi-square analyses conducted to examine changes over time in coverage of topical issues (i.e. vitamin D and sunbeds) and established sun protection themes [i.e. health effects of ultraviolet (UV) exposure, education/prevention, attitudes/behaviour]. Coverage of vitamin D and sunbed issues increased over time and became more positive for sun protection objectives. The proportion of articles reporting on established sun protection themes remained steady over time (range: 36-38%) and there were no changes observed in the way these topics were presented in the news media. These results highlight that potentially competing sun protection issues that emerge over time need not pose a threat to existing skin cancer prevention programmes but instead can provide opportunities to further spread programme messages while increasing credibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maree Scully
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Makin
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Maloney
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Wakefield
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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