Osteoporosis coverage in selected women's magazines and newspapers, 1998-2001.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accountability of osteoporosis information available in selected mass-circulating women's magazines (n=8) and a sample of newspapers (n=2).


METHODS
Osteoporosis articles (n=132) were assessed for sources of information used, incidence/prevalence statistics, risks factors, and prevention measures.


RESULTS
Expert sources were highlighted in the majority of articles, whereas incidence/ prevalence statistics were described in less than half of the articles. Risk factors and prevention measures were outlined in most articles; however, much of the information presented was ambiguous and incomplete.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that the reporting of osteoporosis in women's magazines and newspapers is not entirely balanced; thus, future coverage should provide greater detail when reporting risks and preventive measures.
Wallace
Lorraine Silver
LS
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA. lwallace@mc.utmck.edu
Ballard
Joyce E
JE
D015706:Bibliometrics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D033181:Information Dissemination; D009524:Newspapers as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012941:Social Responsibility; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health