Media and drugs: a documental analysis of the Brazilian writing media between 1999 and 2003

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva 2009-11, Vol.14 (5), p.1751
• Main Authors: Ronzani, Telmo Mota, Fernandes, Ameli Gabriele Batista, Gebara, Carla Ferreira de Paula, Oliveira, Samia Abreu, Scoralick, Natália Nunes, Lourenço, Lélio Moura
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Brazil; Humans; Mass Media; Substance-Related Disorders - epidemiology; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/S1413-81232009000500016

This paper aims to analyze the kind of information published by the Brazilian 'written media' about drugs. It was examined articles about drugs in a national circulation magazine between 1999 and 2003, through an analysis of content. A total of 481 articles were found. 'Consumption' was the most appeared topic. The most quoted drugs were: cocaine (21%), marijuana (19%), alcoholic beverages (12%) and cigarettes (12%). This research also showed that 57% of the articles were related to cigarettes, its harmful effects, whereas alcohol had the same amount of articles showing it as a good or a bad substance for the human being and considered the most addictive drug (23%). On the other hand, cocaine was related to drug dealing (30%). In general, cocaine and marijuana were in focus in the media while alcohol and solvents had less prominence considering the epidemiologic data of use. We can notice that there is an incompatibility between the media focus and the profile of drug consumption in Brazil, that could influence the person's beliefs about certain substances and public politics about drugs in Brazil.