Content analysis of prime-time television medical news: a pediatric perspective

Article Abstract:

Television news appears to provide a significant amount of information on medical matters of interest to parents. Over a six month period, researchers in Buffalo, NY, counted medical news stories on the ABC evening local and national news telecasts. A group of 87 parents of hospitalized children or children visiting the clinic of a Buffalo children's hospital responded to a questionnaire as did 89 pediatricians. Overall, 149 local medical stories and 66 national news stories appeared. Fifteen percent of local medical news stories and 21% of national medical news stories addressed pediatric issues, and 37% of local and 46% of national medical news addressed topics not specific to adults or children. Eighty-three percent of parents watched television news at least five days per week, and over half of parents considered the news a valuable source of pediatric health information. Most, though fewer, doctors watched television newscasts, and only 19% considered television news a valuable public education resource.

Health aspects, Medicine, Portrayals, Pediatrics, Media coverage, Television broadcasting of news, Television news

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The use of television in 2- to 8-year old children and the attitude of parents about such use

Article Abstract:

Parental attitudes may affect the kind and amount of television viewed by their young children. Researchers in Italy surveyed the parents of 156 children attending nursery school through second grade. Half the children watched television one to three hours per day. Nine percent watched more than three hours per day. The children of parents with uncritical attitudes watched more television and a wider variety of programs compared with parents with critical attitudes. A critical attitude was associated with higher social and educational levels. However, these parents may have biased results by giving socially correct answers.

Demographic aspects, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Parents, Television viewers, Television and children

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