Examination of the mass media process and personal factors affecting the assessment of mass media-disseminated health information

Abstract

This study examined the mass media and personal characteristics leading to health communication inequality as well as the role of certain factors in health communication's mass media process. Using both sociodemographic variables and Maletzke's model as a basis, we investigated the relationship between selected components of the mass communication process, the receiving of reliable health information as a result of health communication, and the condition of its use. The study involved 1853 people in Turkey and was structured in two parts. The first part dealt with questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, the use of the mass media and the public's ability to obtain health information from it, the public's perception of the trustworthiness of health information, and the state of translating this information into health-promoting behaviours. In the second part, questions related to the mass communication process were posed using a five-point Likert scale. This section tried to establish structural equation modelling using the judgements prepared on the basis of the mass media model. Through this study, it has been observed that sociodemographic factors such as education and age affect individuals' use of and access to communication channels; individuals' trust in and selection of health information from the programme content and their changing health behaviours (as a result of the health information) are related to both their perception of the mass communication process and to sociodemographic factors, but are more strongly related to the former.

Marketing communication in the area of breast and cervical cancer prevention

“…Such findings are consistent with other earlier ones 15,21,22,36 . While some authors considered that older generation may prefer to be informed by television programmes regarding health problems 25 , our research show no significant differences among age groups. That could be explained with the fact that in Serbia television is still a dominant media at the national level.…”

“…The results of the survey indicate that sociodemographic factors such as education and age affect individuals' choice of communication channels and preventive behaviour, as it was previously noted by some other authors 25 . The results show that a significant percentage of women of all age groups had the habit of going to gynaecological examinations at least once a year, and that women of 50 or more years have the highest developed awareness of that.…”

“…For urban residents media-based information is playing a rather supporting role, as they find medical providers to be more reliable communication channel. Health providers were the most frequently cited information source in various research in the usa 25,33,34 . One more study showed that participants reported seeing or hearing information from clinicians on the first place, then media and their family 2 .…”

Healthy Lifestyle Interventions to Combat Noncommunicable Disease—A Novel Nonhierarchical Connectivity Model for Key Stakeholders: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association, European Society of Cardiology, European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, and American College of Preventive Medicine

“…Healthrelated information from credible sources is routinely retransmitted and disseminated by way of traditional media outlets including print, television, and/or radio newscasting. 83 Within these media, the credibility and quality of information is often bolstered by individual experts or expert panels comprised of health care professionals, researchers, policymakers, and/or experts on other subject matter. Packaged information is then sought out and referenced by individuals who wish to improve their health knowledge and subsequent health status.…”

“…Packaged information is then sought out and referenced by individuals who wish to improve their health knowledge and subsequent health status. 83,84 Through efficient communication that is both objective and factual, such media channels can greatly expand the reach and overall impact of HL information among the lay population. 84 Internet and Digital Media Channels.…”