Content analysis of New Zealand doctor and GP weekly 1992-1996

Abstract

The present study was designed to examine the subject coverage of and influence of the pharmaceutical industry on New Zealand Doctor and GP Weekly. The study used "content analysis" to analyse the articles in 10 issues of New Zealand Doctor and 10 issues of GP Weekly published between 1992 and 1996. The study produced a number of results. Firstly, New Zealand Doctor and GP Weekly contained logistic information, medical knowledge, population statistics, and information about social influences. Secondly, New Zealand Doctor contained more logistic information than GP Weekly, and GP Weekly contained more medical knowledge than New Zealand Doctor. Finally, New Zealand Doctor and GP Weekly made only a few, neutral references to particular brands of pharmaceutical products and particular pharmaceutical companies. The results are discussed in terms of the usefulness of these information sources to physicians.