Descriptive study of dermatologic issues appeared on television over seventeen months (Jan. 2004-May 2005)

Background: Recently, the number of television programs dealing with dermatologic issues has rapidly increased. Since these television programs have great impact on the general public, scientific exactitude of these programs is extremely important. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the television programs about dermatologic issues over a 17 months period, form January 2004 to May 2005. Methods: From all the programs broadcast between January 2004 and May 2005 on the major public and cable television channels such as MBC, KBS, SBS, EBS and MediTV, programs about dermatological issues were selected by internet search and collated. The programs were then categorized and studied by purpose and theme of the programs, running time, and correctness of dermatologic information. Results: The number of programs about dermatologic issues by type were as follows: 80 on news programs (58.0%), 33 on health care programs (23.9%), 19 on daily information programs (13.8%) and 5 on current issues programs (3.6%). Programs dealing with skin cosmetic information were shown most frequently on the television (44 times, 31.9%), followed by those with information about atopic dermatitis (32 times, 28.6%). Of 197 consultants in 138 television programs, dermatologists could account for only 113 (57.4%), and medical specialists of other fields except dermatology as 24 (12.2%). Thirty two percent of dermatology-related television programs were made without the advice of dermatologists. In most cases, information from dermatologists was accurate or reliable (96.5%), however, the information from oriental herbal-medicinal doctors or non-medical specialists was very difficult to check for accuracy. Conclusion: Until now, dermatologists have taken the leading role in programs dealing with dermatologic issues. However, the number of unqualified advisors without sufficient dermatologic knowledge in the programs surveyed was found to be surprisingly high. Therefore, we suggest that more dermatologists need to increase their public health role in the mass media.