Is the press properly presenting the epidemiological data on COVID-19? An analysis of newspapers from 25 countries

Hammes, Luciano Serpa; Rossi, Arthur Proença; Pedrotti, Luana Giongo; Pitrez, Paulo Márcio; Mutlaq, Mohamed Parrini; Rosa, Regis Goulart

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess how the top 3 highest circulation newspapers from 25 countries are comparing and presenting COVID-19 epidemiological data to their readers. Of 75 newspapers evaluated, 51(68%) presented at their websites at least one comparison of cases and/or deaths between regions of their country and/or between countries. Quality assessment of the comparisons showed that only a minority of newspapers adjusted the data for population size in case comparisons between regions (37.2%) and between countries (25.6%), and the same was true for death comparisons between regions (27.3%) and between countries (27%). Of those making comparisons, only 13.7% explained the difference in the interpretation of cases and deaths. Of 17 that presented a logarithmic curve, only 29.4% explained its meaning. Although the press plays a key role in conveying correct medical information to the general public, we identified inconsistencies in the reporting of COVID-19 epidemiological data. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1057/s41271-021-00298-7.