title: Risk, its perception and the media: the MMR controversy.
abstract: This article aims to explore how the media contributes to and generates 'risk' and 'risk perception.' The example of parents refusing to have their children immunised with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine following negative media reporting will be discussed. The media appears to have an important influence on the perception of risk. We are living in a society that is increasingly aware of risk, and in which risk is socially constructed. It is important that healthcare professionals provide clear, consistent, evidence-based information to clients, ensuring that any areas of uncertainty are acknowledged. Otherwise, the public's trust in the healthcare professional will be undermined.
authors.affiliation: NHS Tayside.
authors.forename: Alison Jane
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hackett
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003142:Communication; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D018156:Journalism, Medical; D008402:Mass Media; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012938:Social Perception; D035502:Trust; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine