Print Media Response to SARS in New Zealand
SARS virus, newspapers, Health promotion, Risk, risk reduction behaviour, communication
To examine the media response to severe acute respiratory syndrome, we reviewed New Zealand’s major newspaper (261 articles for 3 months). While important accurate health messages were frequently included, some were missed (e.g., handwashing in only 2% of articles). No incorrect information was identified, and health spokespersons were accurately reported.
Nick Wilson, George Thomson, Osman Mansoor
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Infectious and parasitic diseases, Medicine