Digital Media Coverage of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Related News in India: Mixed Methods Content Analysis of Disease Burden and Intervention.

BACKGROUND

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children younger than 5 years of age. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with RSV in India, the introduction of a vaccine against RSV will potentially reduce the disease's burden. However, vaccine acceptance is influenced by public perception, which is shaped by information disseminated through media sources. This study aims to explore the landscape of RSV-related news coverage in India's digital media.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive content analysis to explore the landscape of RSV-related news coverage in India's digital media.

METHODS

Media content analysis was retrospectively conducted by a digital search for all related news pieces in the trustworthy brands of 4 trusted newspapers (Hindustan Times, The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Times of India) and 3 news channel websites (India Today, NDTV news, and News 18), between November 1, 2022, and October 31, 2023. A total of 58 news pieces were retrieved using selected keywords, with inclusion criteria encompassing English-language news pieces with RSV-specific content. Two reviewers compiled, coded, and analyzed the content. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative content analysis assessed the emotional tone and sentiment of the pieces.

RESULTS

The findings revealed significant digital media coverage on RSV infection and the potential vaccines. The majority of news pieces (53/58, 91%) discussed RSV signs and symptoms, with 64% (37/58) addressing the disease severity and 36% (21/58) highlighting its seasonal surge. However, only 5% (3/58) focused on diagnostic aids. Additionally, 41% (24/58) of news pieces discussed RSV in the context of COVID-19. Regarding the vaccine, 29% (17/58) of news pieces mentioned it, with 26% (15/58) highlighting manufacturers such as Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Positive sentiment was found in 35% (20/58) of news pieces, while 43% (25/58) exhibited negative sentiment, often related to the disease burden and severity. Emotional tone analysis revealed that 74% (43/58) of news pieces contained emotional elements, with 58% (25/43) expressing negative emotions (eg, concern and anxiety), particularly about hospitalizations and deaths. In contrast, a positive tone was emulated in the frequent mentions of the RSV vaccines as safe, effective, and approved.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis revealed significant coverage of RSV-related news in India's digital media, with a focus on disease severity and hospitalizations. While positive sentiment was expressed in coverage of the RSV vaccine, negative sentiments dominated discussions on the disease burden. However, considering the limited number of news pieces, the study highlights the need for improved media coverage to raise awareness about the disease and its preventive strategies. Further research should explore the implications of the overlap between RSV and COVID-19 in media coverage and the limited focus on RSV diagnostics, with a focus on understanding how these factors impact public health outcomes.