Development Of An Instrument To Evaluate Fidelity Of Print Media To Suicide Reporting Guidelines

Abstract

newline Abstract: (lt200 words) Context: Negative portrayal of suicide in media is linked to high suicide rates. An instrument is required to assess media fidelity to suicide reporting guidelines. Available instruments lack certain variables which are relevant and necessary for Indian settings newline newlineMethod: An instrument was designed by item generation, expert validation and face validation. Existing literature and guidelines were reviewed in detail. Reliability and validity statistics calculated. Factor analysis and inter-item correlations were used to assess consistency and validity. newline newlineResults: 32 items were generated across 5 domains; Prominance, Detailing, Sensationalization, Awareness and Criminalization. newline newlineAll 32 items showed high Cronbach s Alpha values and inter-item correlations. newline newline newlineConclusions: A relevant and easy to use instrument for media fidelity to suicide reporting guidelines was developed. newline