Credibility and Reliability of Health Information in Widely Circulated Iranian Newspapers: A Case Study of Pediatrics Information

Introduction: Newspapers along with other mass media have a significant role in increasing the health literacy of the general public. Pediatrics related information is one of the most important health subjects in newspapers. The goal of this study was to assess the scientific authenticity of pediatrics information in widely circulated Iranian newspapers in the year 2014. Methods: This applied survey was performed using content analysis method in the first part and evidence-based medicine in the second part. The data gathering tool was a checklist designed by the researchers. The statistical population consisted of all of the messages printed in 694 volumes in 5 of the most widely circulated Iranian newspapers. The sample size was calculated using non-probability purposive sampling (426 newspaper articles). Among a total of 3019 messages, 5 topics were determined as high frequency and their scientific authenticity was evaluated in the Up to date database. Data are presented as frequency and percentage. Results: The findings indicated that most of pediatrics related information was published in Jam-e-jam (50.7%). Regarding authorship, 52.85% of articles had authors and Iran newspaper had the highest percentage of articles with identified authors. Regarding references, 60.79% of the articles were validated. According to evidences in the Up to date database, the authenticity of 60% of the outstanding messages was confirmed. Conclusion: It is revealed that the pediatric information published in the Iranian newspapers was relatively credible. However, more attention must be paid to the credibility of the articles, particularly in regards to using pediatric information written by pediatricians.