Table 2 Comparison of articles with scientists and journalists as the main commentator
From: Pharmacogenetics and the print media: what is the public told?
Variable | Scientist main voice (n = 58) | Journalist main voice (n = 38) | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
Mean number of words per article | 605.8 | 567.1 | NS |
Benefit stated | 58 (100%) | 37 (97.4%) | NS |
Mean number of benefits stated | 2.97 | 2.50 | NS |
Risk stated | 15 (25.9%) | 18 (47.4%) | 0.03 |
Mean number of risks stated | 0.38 | 0.74 | 0.03 |
Barrier stated | 33 (56.9%) | 22 (57.9%) | NS |
Mean number of barriers stated | 0.91 | 1.0 | NS |
Articles with quotation from expert | 53 (91.4%) | 23 (60.5%) | <0.001 |
Mean number of quotes per article | 2.14 | 1.16 | <0.001 |
Slant (positive) | 44 (75.9%) | 19 (50%) | 0.01 |
Claim (exaggerated) | 18 (31%) | 10 (26.3%) | NS |
Quality of information (good) | 34 (58.6%) | 23 (60.5%) | NS |
Source of information (scientific papers) | 10 (17.2%) | 1 (2.6%) | <0.001 |