Content analysis of sugar portrayal in online newspapers of Delhi, India

Abstract

Background: The role of sugars on health and specifically on oral health is well evident in scientific literature. However, information regarding sugar portrayal in print media is quite limited. Objectives: To determine “Sugar Portrayal” in English newspapers (online version), a 1-year media content analysis of newspaper stories from Delhi (India) was conducted. Methods: Media content analysis was conducted by an online search for news stories in the two most popular Delhi English newspapers for daily and their Sunday equivalents. A total of 3648 newspaper articles and opinion pieces appearing over a period of 1 year (October 1, 2015, until September 30, 2016) were retrieved after entering selected “keywords.” The articles were reliably coded for overall frame and type of article. The data were entered in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: It was inferred that the print media generally advertise sugar recipes and industry, invariably in state-wide context with either a negative or neutral slant. Although there was mention regarding benefits as well as harmful effects in the news stories, yet coverage often lacked detailed health information. Conclusions: The current study found out that there was relatively wider state-wide coverage of sugar, with very narrow focus on public health facts. More accurate information would permit the individuals to make more informed decisions regarding their own behavior.

Keywords

• Content analysis
• India
• newspapers
• printed media
• sugars