A study in JMIR Infodemiology reveals how U.S. media reports on early COVID-19 therapies often lacked scientific evidence and highlighted uncertainties, contributing to misinformation and public mistrust.
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Sep 2 2024 Study: Descriptions of Scientific Evidence and Uncertainty of Unproven COVID-19 Therapies in US News: Content Analysis Study. Image Credit: Gargantiopa / Shutterstock
Misinformation from unverified sources, such as experts or preprints that had not been peer-reviewed, and various unapproved and scientifically unproven therapies, along with the hyper-politicization of the developments surrounding the pandemic, presented numerous challenges for accurate scientific reporting.
The researchers focused on the representation of these treatments in the headlines and lead paragraphs compared to reports in the main body or news reports in the video. The study's conceptual framework used existing science communication models, such as the science literacy model, which focuses on addressing the deficits in public knowledge, and the public engagement model, which emphasizes the importance of public involvement in science policy.
Related StoriesThe analysis was consistent and based on a codebook developed by the researchers to ensure uniform assessment. The study focused on the themes followed in the media reports, the portrayal of scientific evidence, the sources of authority cited, and the claims about the efficacy and safety of the treatments.
Although 67% of the media reports referenced scientific evidence, only 24% of these reports referenced specific scientific publications. Furthermore, the limitations and uncertainty in the evidence were not frequently discussed.
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