Health Journalism and Representation of Campaign News of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Patients

Abstract

Health information in all forms and developments from media must benefit public health. The prime responsibility is to spread the correct information in a clear and simple way. The purpose of this study includes the evaluation of campaigns published in the Turkish press under expressions that were used specifically for reporting on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients, such as “be hopeful” and “running out of time.” Discourse analysis method in the context of health journalism was used within a framework of ethical principles. In the context of this study, the discourse of language published—that is, news created by health journalists during treatment processes of SMA patients and their families—was also examined. This study was conducted in order to increase awareness of health correspondents and is informed by a basic principle of “first do no harm” to public health, consistent with medical professionals.