Objectives: To examine newspaper coverage of race and genetics to identify patterns and possible explanations for them in extant theory in order to improve health promotion campaigns.
Methods: Articles from Lexus-Nexus database fitting the search criteria were coded according to themes developed from the scientific literature and a prereading of texts.
Results: Articles present an array of attitudes toward race and genetics. No existing theory explains this pattern.
Conclusion: Because newspapers present both sides of the scientific debate, health promotion messages dealing with race, genetics, and medicine must address both sides of the debate in order to be effective.