The extent and nature of coverage of mental health issues in printed media in India

Abstract

Context: The term media on a whole pertain to the main method of mass communication. The chief aim of the media is communication, with the objective of educating, informing, and entertaining the audience. It is unknown how accurately the media reports the topics related to mental health issues. Aims: The aim of this study is to explore the extent and nature of coverage of mental health issues in printed media. Settings and Design: Data collection for the present study was conducted at the Library Gian Sagar College of Nursing, Ram Nagar, District Patiala, Punjab, in January 2017. A quantitative research approach with exploratory research design was adopted to explore the extent and nature of coverage of mental health issues in printed media. Subjects and Methods: By purposive sampling technique, 923 printed media from which a sample of 839 articles was drawn, i.e., N = 839 (N1for newspapers, N1= 827 and N2for magazines, N2= 12) with the help of search terms which consisted of 32 general and diagnostic terms covering the full range of mental disorders. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were used. Results: One hundred and ninety-three (23%) articles on mental health issues appeared in the city/region section. Two hundred and one (32%) articles in newspapers did not mention the author. The most common theme of articles in newspapers was suicide 169 (25%) followed by substance abuse 209 (20%). The neutral description was used by 589 (71%) of all articles. Conclusions: Majority of the articles appeared in the city/region section with neutral/nature.