A content analysis of pediatric information in widely circulated newspapers in Iran

BACKGROUND: Newspapers play an important role in improving public health literacy. This study analysis the content of pediatric information in widely circulated Iranian newspapers in 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an applied survey performed using content analysis method. The data gathering tool was a checklist designed by the researcher. The sample size was determined using nonprobability sampling to be 426 articles with pediatric-related topics of five Iranian newspapers. RESULTS: The results showed that the most popular topics included “psychological disorders” (19.6%) and “nutrition” (19.27%). The null areas include “physiopathology of body fluids and fluid therapy” and “gynecological problems in childhood” (0%). CONCLUSION: The messages identified were more in line with needs of Iranian society which shows a need to pay more attention to international standards by both journalists and pediatricians.