Psychological Impact of Dissemination of Dengue Related Information through Media on Patients and General Population

Author: Sana Naz 

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Kausar

Degree: M.Phil

Year:2010-2012

University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The present research aimed to investigate the psychological impact of dissemination of dengue related information through media on patients and general masses. It was hypothesized that two groups of participants are likely to differ in the extent of information; and that there is a likely to be relationship between the dissemination of information by the media and anxiety. Sample was drawn by using non probability purposive sampling. The sample consisted of 30 dengue fever patients and 30 individuals from the general masses (N = 60). The participants ranged in ages between 18-50 years. Self designed Role of Media Questionnaire (RMQ) and DSM IV (TR) anxiety criteria was used for assessment. Independent sample t- test analysis was used to examine differences in anxiety between patients and general masses. Results showed that media affects dengue patients negatively and general masses positively and level of anxiety were higher in patients than in general masses. This research will be helpful for the social researchers, psychologists and media persons to realize the importance of media in dissemination of information about any epidemic.

Keywords:dengue related information, media, anxiety.

Visit University to get the full thesis.

Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245

Leave a Reply