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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Public Health | Research article

Media representations of COVID-19 public health policies: assessing the portrayal of essential health services in Canadian print media

Authors: Ubaka Ogbogu, Lorian Hardcastle

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Aims

The study assessed how the Canadian print media represented essential healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the controversial decision to include liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists.

Methods

Mixed-method content analysis of 67 articles published in major Canadian English language newspapers between March 23 and April 1, 2020. Articles were analyzed and coded by two raters. Ratings were analyzed in SPSS.

Results

Few articles in the sample discussed essential healthcare services and the inclusion of liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists. Majority of the articles that discussed both topics framed the discussion positively and consistently with current knowledge and evidence.

Conclusion

Canadian print media representations of essential healthcare services and associated public debate are largely descriptive and, therefore, fail to engage critically with or advance public understanding of an important health policy issue.
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Metadata
Title
Media representations of COVID-19 public health policies: assessing the portrayal of essential health services in Canadian print media
Authors
Ubaka Ogbogu
Lorian Hardcastle
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10300-2

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