Ubaka Ogbogu1, Lorian Hardcastle2. 1. Faculties of Law and Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Law Centre, 111 St and 89 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H5, Canada. uogbogu@ualberta.ca. 2. Faculty of Law and Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada.
Abstract
AIMS: The study assessed how the Canadian print media represented essential healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the controversial decision to include liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists. METHODS: Mixed-method content analysis of 67 articles published in major Canadian English language newspapers between March 23 and April 1, 2020. Articles were analyzed and coded by two raters. Ratings were analyzed in SPSS. RESULTS: Few articles in the sample discussed essential healthcare services and the inclusion of liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists. Majority of the articles that discussed both topics framed the discussion positively and consistently with current knowledge and evidence. CONCLUSION: Canadian print media representations of essential healthcare services and associated public debate are largely descriptive and, therefore, fail to engage critically with or advance public understanding of an important health policy issue.
AIMS: The study assessed how the Canadian print media represented essential healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the controversial decision to include liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists. METHODS: Mixed-method content analysis of 67 articles published in major Canadian English language newspapers between March 23 and April 1, 2020. Articles were analyzed and coded by two raters. Ratings were analyzed in SPSS. RESULTS: Few articles in the sample discussed essential healthcare services and the inclusion of liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists. Majority of the articles that discussed both topics framed the discussion positively and consistently with current knowledge and evidence. CONCLUSION: Canadian print media representations of essential healthcare services and associated public debate are largely descriptive and, therefore, fail to engage critically with or advance public understanding of an important health policy issue.
Entities:
Keywords:
COVID-19; Essential services; Liquor and cannabis sales; Media representations of health; Public health; Public health policy; Public understanding of health
Authors: Matthew Pike; Ashlee Cunsolo; Amreen Babujee; Andrew Papadopoulos; Sherilee L Harper Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-10-27 Impact factor: 3.390