Disclosure of study funding and author conflicts of interest in press releases and the news: a retrospective content analysis with two cohorts

Objectives To examine how often study funding and author conflicts of interest are stated in science health press releases corresponding news; whether disclosure is associated with news. Second, to specifically rates industry-funded studies. Design Retrospective content analysis two cohorts. Setting Press about health, psychology or neuroscience research from universities journals 2011 (n=996) 2015 (n=254) their news stories (n=1250 578). Primary outcome measure Mention interest. Results In our cohort, was reported 94% (934/996) journal articles, 29% (284/996) 9% (112/1250) The figures for were: 84% (214/254), 52% (131/254) 10% (58/578). A similar pattern seen the industry subset. If release funding, more likely to: 22% if versus 7% not (2011), relative risk (RR) 3.1 (95% CI 2.1 4.3); 2015, were 16% 2%, RR 6.8 2.2 17). 27% a conflict interest, while less than 2% ever mentioned these. Conclusions did frequently state sources Funding information such Given converging evidence that draws on content, including statements may lead increased reporting