Perceptions of Latinos, African Americans, and Whites on Media as a Health Information Source

This study examined the responses from over 3,400 interviews with African Americans, Latinos, and Whites from three nationally representative telephone surveys on sources of health information and the role of mass media. It focused specifically on the perceived effectiveness and relevance of general market media versus Black - and Latino - oriented media as sources of health information for racially and ethnically diverse audience segments. The study found that large majorities of Whites, African Americans, and Latinos rely heavily on the media for information about health and health care, take personal action as a result of media health coverage, and would like the media to expand its coverage of health topics. African Americans and Latinos reported more regular use of general market media outlets versus Black - or Latino - oriented media sources, although minority oriented media also figured prominently . African Americans and Latinos were more critical of general media health coverage than were Whites ...