A Six-Month Assessment of Medical News Reporting in Leading Local Newspapers in the Philippines: Is It Based on Good Evidence?

Background. Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) has brought about a paradigm shift in medical practice. However, evidence in peerreviewed medical journals is inaccessible to a lay person for whom the newspaper is the most accessible source of information. This study aims to determine if medical news articles (MNAs) in leading local newspapers in the Philippines are based on good evidence.

Objectives. To characterize MNAs based on: (1) references cited and their level of evidence as appraised by authors and two independent EBM experts; (2) use of clinical outcomes; (3) mention
of treatment benefit and potential harm in measurable terms; (4) mention of cost of treatment; and (5) disclosure of pharmaceutical industry support.

Methods. MNAs on non-surgical prevention and treatment of adult diseases from January to June 2002 in three leading local Philippine newspapers were appraised. MNAs on diagnosis, pediatric and surgical treatments, multiple treatment modalities, “Dear Doctor” or “Q&A” columns were excluded. References were assessed independently by two EBM experts; differences were resolved by consensus.

Results. The five conditions most frequently reported on were: diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, arthritis and hypertension. Of 113 MNAs, 94 (83%) cited references—54 were medical journal articles, 34 (63%) of which were based on good quality evidence. Out of the 94 MNAs, 51 (54%) reported clinical endpoints, 31 (33%) quantified benefit, 21 (22%) cited potential harm, 22 (23%) disclosed industry support, and 4 (4%) mentioned cost of treatment. None of the MNA authors mentioned critically appraising their references.

Conclusion. The 113 MNAs published in three leading local newspapers in the Philippines during the six-month period showed shortcomings in providing information to benefit the public. EBM awareness among journalists and studies covering a longer period and a broader line of the print media are
recommended.