Is the press properly presenting the epidemiological data on COVID-19? An analysis of newspapers from 25 countries.

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess how newspapers from 25 countries are comparing and presenting COVID-19 epidemiological data to their readers. Of 75 newspapers evaluated, 51(68%) presented at their websites at least one comparison of cases and/or deaths between regions of their country and/or between countries. Quality assessment of the comparisons showed that only a minority of newspapers adjusted the data for population size in case comparisons between regions (37,2%) and between countries (25,6%), and the same was true for death comparisons between regions (27,3%) and between countries (27%). Of those making comparisons, only 13,7% explained the difference in the interpretation of cases and deaths. Of 17 that presented a logarithmic curve, only 29,4% explained its meaning. Although the press plays a key role in conveying correct medical information to the general public, researchers and journalists need to work more closely together to provide more accurate information.