Table 2.

Respondents’ newspaper use, perceptions of coverage and health concerns (N=783).

Newspaper use
Average times/month (SD) has read the local (weekly) Black newspaper*	2.7 (3.2)
Average times/month (SD) has read the local (daily) general population newspaper†	14.5(12.2)
Perceptions of Black newspapers
The local Black newspaper has a lot of influence in the Black community.*	85.7%
The local Black newspaper shows how national news affects my community.*	84.0%
The local Black newspaper does a good job reporting local issues.*	90.4%
The local Black newspaper does a good job reporting on issues relevant to Black community.*	92.9%
Comparing Black and general population newspapers
The local Black newspaper is fair and balanced in its reporting.*	84.3%
The general population newspaper is fair and balanced in its reporting.*	53.4%
In the Black newspaper I can read about issues and events not covered in the general population newspaper.*	91.8%
How much would you trust the information about cancer from:†
A doctor or other health care professional	71.4%
Black newspapers	51.2%
The Internet	46.7%
Television	37.5%
Magazines	36.0%
General population newspapers	33.1%
Family or friends	24.4%
The radio	21.7%
Health concerns
Top health problems affecting Blacks‡
High blood pressure	65.1%
Diabetes	61.2%
HIV/STDs	55.6%
Cancer	39.0%
Heart disease	31.2%
Violence	25.0%
Stroke	21.6%
Health issue of most concern to you in last 12 months (n=731)
Cancer	31.7%
Diabetes	14.6%
High blood pressure	9.6%
AIDS/HIV/STDs	9.3%
Heart disease, heart attacks	8.3%
Other topics	26.4%

^*Percent “strongly agree” or “agree”

^†Percent stating “a lot”

^‡Because respondents could mention any three health problems, percentages do not total 100%