Tobacco coverage in popular magazines: 1996-1999.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent of coverage of tobacco topics, as compared to coverage of health and nonhealth topics, in "general interest" and "health" magazines.


METHODS
Lead articles and fillers published from 1996 through 1999 in 9 widely circulated magazines were studied.


RESULTS
Less than 1% of all articles and fillers on health topics focused on tobacco topics. A smaller proportion of tobacco articles and fillers, as compared to other health topics, was published in health magazines than in general interest magazines.


CONCLUSIONS
Tobacco is covered less, compared to other health topics, especially in health magazines, than its importance warrants as a threat to health.
Sciacca
John
J
Department of Health Promotion, College of Health Professions, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA. John.Sciacca@nau.edu
Antonucci
Nicole
N
D000329:Advertising; D015706:Bibliometrics; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014481:United States; D062789:Tobacco Products