Media's perception on health disparities: A meta-analysis of newspaper publications

INTRODUCTION: How do mainstream media interpret health disparity reports to the public? The U.S. has aimed to eliminate health disparities as a national goal (US DHHS, 2000). The media plays an important role in influencing advocacy and policy change. Newspaper reports may shape how the public frames the causes and potential solutions for racial/ethnic health disparities, but little is known about how these reports are addressing these issues. OBJECTIVE: This report examines health disparities coverage in the media. Which health disparities receive the most attention? How is health disparities framed in the media? What has been cited as the cause of disparity? Have solutions been reported to address these issues? METHODS: We used LexisNexis to sample 57 articles from the 20 highest newspaper circulations according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Inclusion criteria included “race” used as term for an ethnic group, a health topic must be covered in relation to race/ethnicity, and the population must be within the U.S. We covered articles published between 06/01/2006 to 08/31/2006. Keywords for the search were race, ethnicity and health RESULTS: Disparities concerning Blacks (66.7%) and Latinos (21.1%) were the most frequently addressed. Cultural issues were the most commonly reported cause (52.6%) for disparities, with health care provider issues as the least common (21.2%). Furthermore, solutions to disparities were mostly cultural-based approaches (38.6%). CONCLUSION: Health disparity issues have been narrowly addressed by the media. A broader social context of disease must be considered, such as environment, genetics, socioeconomic status, and providers.