An analysis of science communication about COVID-19 vaccination in Portuguese online news media
by
Elaine Santana,
Joana Bernardo,
Inga Donici,
Rúben Valente,
Bárbara Pedro,
Inês Almeida,
Sílvia Silva,
Conceição Alegre,
Teresa Loureiro
and
Rosa Silva
This study aimed to analyze the usage of scientific concepts and technical terms related to COVID-19 vaccination in Portuguese online news sources and examine citizens' comprehension of these terms. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted, examining Portuguese news articles about COVID-19 vaccination from November 2021 to January 2022. Scientific terms were extracted from 190 articles, and seven citizens provided identification and brief definitions of familiar terms. Approximately 68% of the news articles involved collaboration with researchers or health professionals. A total of 144 scientific terms were identified in 77% of the articles, with more than half (57.54%) of these terms being unknown or inadequately defined by the citizens consulted.
Volume 22 • Issue 05 • 2023