Hotham N J
Pharmacy Department, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA.
Med J Aust. 1995 Apr 17;162(8):417-20. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1995.tb139970.x.
To determine the accuracy of information in popular magazines in Australia about drugs and environmental influences in pregnancy.
All issues of the 14 highest-circulation popular magazines likely to contain relevant articles were prospectively surveyed between November 1991 and October 1992. The accuracy of information about drugs and environmental influences in pregnancy was assessed after reference to evidence-based scientific publications such as the Cochrane Database of Perinatal Trials.
Two hundred and ninety-nine statements in 162 articles were rated as accurate (77.6%), misleading (16.7%), giving a false sense of security (3%) or anxiety-provoking or inaccurate (2.7%).
An accuracy rate of 77.6% may appear acceptable. However, the media, and popular magazines in particular, are an important source of health and lifestyle information. Misinformation may induce anxiety and lead to unnecessary or inappropriate changes to medication, diet and lifestyle. Any inaccuracy should be considered unacceptable.
