Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Media
Author Information
Author(s): Weeks Laura C, Strudsholm Tina
Primary Institution: University of Calgary
Hypothesis
What is the scope and nature of research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and its representation in the mass media?
Conclusion
Future research on CAM and the mass media should be collaborative and involve multiple disciplines to address the complexities of media representation.
Supporting Evidence
- Of 4,454 studies identified, only 16 were relevant to the research objectives.
- Media coverage of CAM is generally positive, with 58% of articles containing positive portrayals.
- Most articles focused on print media, with little attention to television or radio.
Takeaway
This study looked at how often and in what ways the media talks about alternative medicine, finding that most coverage is positive but often lacks discussion of risks.
Methodology
A scoping review was conducted, involving searching for studies, selecting based on criteria, extracting data, and summarizing results.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on conventional sources over CAM sources in media reporting.
Limitations
The review included only 16 articles, which limits comprehensiveness, and excluded non-English publications and Internet-based research.
Participant Demographics
The media coverage primarily focused on audiences in Western developed countries, particularly the UK, US, and Canada.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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