Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #118405

Jose Ibarra Angeles, MA and Juan Antonio Perez III, MD, MPH. Philippine Tuberculosis Initiatives for the Private Sector (Philippine TIPS)/Chemonics International Inc., 1608 West Tower, Phil. Stock Exchange Center, Ortigas Center, Pasig, 1605, Philippines, +632 687-7134, jiangeles@philtips.com

BACKGROUND: USAID-funded Philippine Tuberculosis Initiatives for the Private Sector (PhilTIPS) disseminates messages / stories about TB and the DOTS treatment strategy through news media. The objectives are raise visibility of TB, promote DOTS effectiveness in private sector, and influence health policymaking. PhilTIPS investigated how news media handles TB stories and strategically apply its findings for its public information activities.

DESIGN/METHODS: Data collection, review and analyses involved television, radio, and newspaper reporting of TB health issues between 2002-2003. Data sources: television, radio newscasts, public service, talk shows, documentary, feature/magazine, docu-dramas, commercials and print media The content were then categorized into disease related topics.

RESULTS/OUTCOME: TV programs of six broadcast /one cable companies and 396 issues of 3 broadsheets published in year 2002 reported 371 disease-related topics, 47 were about lung-related topics, of these, six (13%) dealt with tuberculosis. 54 of 97 disease-related topics were of lung, 17 of 54 were TB. Tuberculosis ads accounted for .02% of total televisions spots. Half of the TB ads were aired in government channel. Television/radio broadcasts about TB were very minimal. TB advertising and programming were aired in non-primetime hours. Government channel aired most of the ads.

CONCLUSIONS: Reporting content focused on symptoms, prevention and treatment not on DOTS. Main drivers of Philippine media coverage were TB issues of control and assistance to TB patients). There was more TB coverage in the print media than in television. Highest frequency of reporting was noted in March (March 24 is World TB Day). DOTS needs to be promoted in the news media.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session, the participant will learn why and how private companies in the Philippines have set up pilot TB programs for their workforce and their neighbor communities.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.