El papel de los medios masivos de información en materia de salud

Abstract

The power of the massive information media in the contemporary sanitary and social context was emphasized. Through five examples, the potentialities and capabilities of the mass media to decisively contributing to the fulfilment of the public health goals were illustrated; but at the same time, the serious damages to the health system and the society were shown. The paper concluded by listing and commenting on the fundamental threats linked to the use of those media and by emphasizing the need to raise the scientific culture of both the journalists and those who provide them with health information.