A content analysis of pediatric information in widely circulated newspapers in Iran

BACKGROUND Newspapers play an important role in improving public health literacy. This study analysis the content of pediatric information in widely circulated Iranian newspapers in 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is an applied survey performed using content analysis method. The data gathering tool was a checklist designed by the researcher. The sample size was determined using nonprobability sampling to be 426 articles with pediatric-related topics of five Iranian newspapers. RESULTS The results showed that the most popular topics included "psychological disorders" (19.6%) and "nutrition" (19.27%). The null areas include "physiopathology of body fluids and fluid therapy" and "gynecological problems in childhood" (0%). CONCLUSION The messages identified were more in line with needs of Iranian society which shows a need to pay more attention to international standards by both journalists and pediatricians.