An analysis of infant feeding content found within the Hong Kong print media

J Hum Lact. 2008 Aug;24(3):317-25. doi: 10.1177/0890334408318834.

Abstract

Worldwide public media greatly affect women's decisions about infant feeding and may not reflect evidence-based practices. The aims of this research were to (1) describe the characteristics of printed articles having infant-feeding content, (2) describe this thematic content, and (3) compare the thematic content found in groupings based on media type and language (English and Chinese). Four Chinese-language newspapers, the English-language newspaper, and 3 bilingual parenting magazines were analyzed. A multiphase qualitative and quantitative content analysis found 5 themes (social context, mothers' information, effects on baby, the value of breast milk, and the utility of formula). Significant differences were found based on media type and language. Although breastfeeding was usually positively framed in all the media, Chinese media had more inaccurate information. Through this analysis, areas where actions could be taken to improve the quality of information about infant feeding received by the public have been identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bottle Feeding / statistics & numerical data
  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Health Education / methods
  • Health Education / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Care
  • Infant Food / statistics & numerical data*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Mass Media / statistics & numerical data*
  • Parents / education
  • Parents / psychology*