Characteristics of Genetics-Related News Content in Black Weekly Newspapers

Abstract

Background/Aims/Objectives: The media are an important source of health information, especially for those with less access to regular health care. Black news outlets such as Black newspapers are a source of health information for African Americans. This study characterized media coverage of genetics-related information in Black weekly newspapers and general audience newspapers from the same communities. Methods: All health stories in a sample of 24 Black weekly newspapers and 12 general audience newspapers from January 2004 to December 2007 were reviewed for genetics-related stories. These stories were further coded for both journalistic and public health variables. Results: Of all health-related stories identified, only 2% (n = 357) were considered genetics related. Genetics-related stories in Black newspapers - compared to those in general audience newspapers - were larger, more locally and racially relevant, and more likely to contain recommendations or action steps to improve health or reduce disease risks and to mention the importance of knowing one's family history. Stories in general audience newspapers were more likely to discuss causes of disease, mention genetic testing or therapy, and suggest a high/moderate degree of genetic determinism. Conclusions: Black newspapers are a viable communication channel to disseminate findings and implications of human genome research to African American audiences.

Smokers’ beliefs about the tobacco control potential of “a gene for smoking”: a focus group study

“…Nevertheless, this specific finding needs to be replicated because the relevant focus group data were relatively sparse. Concerns about potential discrimination as a result of testing were also raised in a way similar to prior research (forthcoming manuscript) [ 22 , 26 , 28 ].…”

“…We extend this research by examining opinions about a broader array of possible tobacco control measures, including approaches not requiring medical testing (i.e., mass media dissemination). However, formal mass media campaigns may have limited effectiveness, and may not communicate this type of information effectively [ 28 ].…”

Family health history and genetic services—the East Baltimore community stakeholder interview project

“…The influence of family history may be especially important in recruiting African-Americans to early detection programs (Avis- Williams et al 2009) and clinical research studies (Rivers et al 2013;Hughes et al 2017). While only 2% of health-related news in Black newspapers has been found to be genetics-related, the importance of family health history is more likely to be emphasized in these newspapers than in general audience newspapers (Caburnay et al 2014). Limited available research suggests low awareness and understanding of familial risk among minority ethnic communities, along with possible stigmatization, although the overall importance of family relationships may stand in contrast (Allford et al 2014;Sussner et al 2011).…”