Professional Relationship Between Physicians and Journalists in Bangladesh: Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Journalism
• Health Communication
• Professional Relations

Background:

• The healthcare system relies on effective communication between physicians and journalists.
• Physicians and journalists are key stakeholders in disseminating health information.
• The relationship between these professions significantly impacts public health literacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the perceptions and relationship dynamics between physicians and journalists in Bangladesh.
• To identify strategies for enhancing medical journalism quality and professional collaboration.
• To explore existing tensions and potential alliances between these two groups.

Main Methods:

• A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2021 to March 2022.
• Snowball sampling included adult Bangladeshi physicians and journalists.
• Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to assess perceptions and trust levels.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of both physicians (53.4%) and journalists (43.5%) reported low trust in the other's professional expertise.
• Physicians expressed stronger negative perceptions (median 5) of journalists compared to journalists' perceptions of physicians (median 3).
• Male physicians and medical officers showed higher distrust in journalists' integrity and skills.

Conclusions:

• Mutual negative perceptions exist between physicians and journalists in Bangladesh, with physicians being more critical.
• Improving the relationship requires strategies like legal frameworks for reporting, constructive dialogue, and professional training.
• Enhanced professional interaction and capacity-building are crucial for better medical journalism and collaboration.