Would Quincy make it as a health educator?
Commercial television's potential as a source of health-related information is nearly unknown. One hundred seventy-six undergraduate students watched a fictional, dramatic television program and recorded health information as if they were taking course notes. These notes were compared to a "key" developed by a panel of health professionals. Slightly less than half (42%) of the total possible health information was recorded. Ninety-two percent included some specific information about the program's main health theme. Females recorded significantly more information than males. Persons who enjoyed the program had higher point scores than those who did not enjoy the program. Further research as to the usefulness of all varieties of commercial television as disseminators of accurate, recognizable health-related information is warranted. Additionally, improved skills for students as well as the general public as critical viewers are needed.
D003071:Cognition; D004324:Drama; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008091:Literature; D008297:Male; D013334:Students; D013690:Television; D014481:United States