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. 2015 Apr;1(1):94-102.
doi: 10.18001/TRS.1.1.9.

A Content Analysis of Electronic Cigarette Portrayal in Newspapers

Katherine Yates  1 , Katherine Friedman  2 , Michael D Slater  3 , Micah Berman  2 , Electra D Paskett  4 , Amy K Ferketich  2
Affiliations

A Content Analysis of Electronic Cigarette Portrayal in Newspapers

Katherine Yates et al. Tob Regul Sci. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To determine how electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are portrayed in newspaper informative articles and opinion pieces.

Methods: A content analysis was conducted on 450 articles published in the United States from 1997 to mid-2014 and obtained by a Newsbank search. The articles were reliably coded for overall frame, type of article, first topic and main topics addressed.

Results: The article topics have changed over time and suggest significant differences between news articles and opinion pieces. Informative articles focused on e-cigarette regulation, while opinion pieces highlighted their increasing popularity and perceived health benefits.

Conclusions: This content analysis uncovered significant interest in e-cigarettes, particularly in their regulation. The FDA should consider public perceptions of e-cigarettes when developing regulations.

Keywords: content analysis; e-cigarettes; newspapers; regulation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of topics addressed within the headline of articles over time (N = 446).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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