5053.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - Board 10

Abstract #16276

A comparison of cultural differences concerning health implications in popular magazines

Keith E. Whitfield, PhD and Chutney A. Arrington. Department of Biobehavorial Health, Penn State University, University Park, State College, PA 16801

Previous studies have examined the effect of print media on consumers' health choices. The purpose of this study is to examine the health implications in both mainstream and African American centered print material. Trends in advertisements and articles on health related issues in Ladies Home Journal, Essence, Ebony and Glamour are being examined over a five-year period. The readership of Ladies Home Journal and Glamour is predominately Caucasian females and that of Ebony and Essence are a predominately African American female. Data is being collected via three trained judges. Data analysis will include an intercoder reliability score, and analysis of variance comparing African American articles and advertisements to majority magazines. The magazines will be compared in relation to type and number of health advertisements and articles. The results will be discussed in relationship to the effect of the media on health disparities

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the relationship between print media and health information content contained therein. 2. Be able to identify at least two health disparities affecting African American Women and discuss the influence that print media can have on these disparities

Keywords: Women's Health, Culture

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA