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Health Reporting in Print Media in Lebanon: Evidence, Quality and Role in Informing Policymaking

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Listed:
  • Fadi El-Jardali
  • Lama Bou Karroum
  • Lamya Bawab
  • Ola Kdouh
  • Farah El-Sayed
  • Hala Rachidi
  • Malak Makki

Abstract

Background: Media plays a vital role in shaping public policies and opinions through disseminating health-related information. This study aims at exploring the role of media in informing health policies in Lebanon, identifying the factors influencing health reporting and investigating the role of evidence in health journalism and the quality of health reporting. It also identifies strategies to enhance the use of evidence in health journalism and improve the quality of health reporting. Methods: Media analysis was conducted to assess the way media reports on health-related issues and the quality of reporting using a quality assessment tool. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 27 journalists, researchers and policymakers to explore their perception on the role of media in health policymaking and the factors influencing health reporting. In addition, a validation workshop was conducted. Results: Out of 1,279 health-related news articles identified, 318 articles used certain type of evidence to report health issues 39.8% of which relied on experts’ opinions as their source of evidence while only 5.9% referenced peer-reviewed research studies. The quality of health reporting was judged to be low based on a quality assessment tool consisting of a set of ten criteria. Journalists raised concerns about issues impeding them from referring to evidence. Journalists also reported difficulties with the investigative health journalism. Policymakers and researchers viewed media as an important tool for evidence-informed health policies, however, serious concerns were voiced in terms of the current practice and capacities. Conclusion: Our study provides a structured reflection on the role of media and the factors that influence health reporting including context-specific strategies that would enhance the quality and promote the use of evidence in health reporting. In the light of the political changes in many Middle Eastern countries, findings from this study can contribute to redefining the role of media in strengthening health systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Fadi El-Jardali & Lama Bou Karroum & Lamya Bawab & Ola Kdouh & Farah El-Sayed & Hala Rachidi & Malak Makki, 2015. "Health Reporting in Print Media in Lebanon: Evidence, Quality and Role in Informing Policymaking," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(8), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0136435
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136435
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gary Schwitzer & Ganapati Mudur & David Henry & Amanda Wilson & Merrill Goozner & Maria Simbra & Melissa Sweet & Katherine A Baverstock, 2005. "What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Media in Disseminating Health Information?," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 2(7), pages 1-1, July.
    2. Voss, M., 2002. "Checking the pulse: Midwestern reporters' opinions on their ability to report health care news," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(7), pages 1158-1160.
    3. Amanda Wilson & Billie Bonevski & Alison Jones & David Henry, 2009. "Media Reporting of Health Interventions: Signs of Improvement, but Major Problems Persist," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 4(3), pages 1-5, March.
    4. Amanda Wilson & Jane Robertson & Patrick McElduff & Alison Jones & David Henry, 2010. "Does It Matter Who Writes Medical News Stories?," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(9), pages 1-5, September.
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