Tobacco coverage in popular magazines: 1996-1999

Objective: To determine the extent of coverage of tobacco topics, as compared to coverage of health and nonhealth topics, in "general interest" and "health" magazines. Methods: Lead articles and fillers published from 1996 through 1999 in 9 widely circulated magazines were studied. Results: Less than 1% of all articles and fillers on health topics focused on tobacco topics. A smaller proportion of tobacco articles and fillers, as compared to other health topics, was published in health magazines than in general interest magazines. Conclusion: Tobacco is covered less, compared to other health topics, especially in health magazines, than its importance warrants as a threat to health.