Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Articles

Jun 03, 2024 pt Article
What if there is still no vaccine? The importance of media behavior in adherence to non-pharmacological interventions (npis) during covid-19 in Brazil

by Wladimir Gramacho, Mathieu Turgeon and Michelle Fernandez

This article investigates the role of media behavior in the adherence of Brazilians to the three main non-pharmacological measures (NPIs) endorsed by global health organizations against COVID-19: the use of face masks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing. Following the outbreak of a pandemic when vaccines are not yet available, the adoption of these behaviors may be the only effective measure against the threats of a new disease. Grounded in social cognitive theory, we examine the behavioral determinants of adherence to these measures in Brazil, a middle-income country marked by significant economic and informational inequalities. Brazil, one of the countries most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, was led by former President Jair Bolsonaro, who showed little regard for the use of face masks and encouraged large gatherings at political events. Our findings, based on an online survey administered to a sample of 2,771 individuals, indicate that media-related determinants such as knowledge about COVID-19, the use of social and traditional media, and belief in a conspiracy theory regarding the origin of the coronavirus play a significant role in explaining adherence to preventive measures. In contrast, other determinants such as political preferences, sociodemographic characteristics, and environmental factors play a secondary role.

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Jun 17, 2024 pt Article
Public communication in the context of disinfodemic and political crisis: Fiocruz ‘in the eye of the hurricane'

by Cristiane d'Avila and Adriana Cavalcanti de Aguiar

We question, from the perspective of public communication, how the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Brazil) responded to COVID-19. The question, asked to communication professionals at the institution two years after the start of the pandemic, sought to identify challenges and elements of institutional learning and understand the possibilities and limits of communication in the context of disinfodemic and political crisis. Qualitative research of an exploratory nature carried out through semi-structured interviews and, alternatively, the use of documentary sources indicates that Fiocruz recognizes public communication (science and health) as a process under construction and a strategic and structuring factor for the full implementation of its Communication Policy.

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Jul 01, 2024 pt Article
Profile of Women Researchers in Science Communication Productivity Grants in Brazil

by Gabriela Ferreira, Rodrigo Arantes Reis, Emerson Joucoski and Camila Silveira

This qualitative, documentary research analyzed the profile of recipients of Productivity in Research (PQ) grants in Science Communication (DC) from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) in Brazil. Data were collected from calls between 2013 and 2021 and curricula from the Lattes platform. The results indicated that women are the majority among PQ grant holders in DC. Most of them hold PQ-E grants, are concentrated in the Southeast, and have diverse educational backgrounds. The field of DC does not follow the trend of the PQ system, revealing a gender parity situation with a slight female advantage. However, this does not imply a favorable position for female researchers due to prevailing gender prejudices.

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Jul 29, 2024 pt Article
The Inappropriate Use of Scientific Knowledge in False Messages about the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Lucas Dias Queiroz and Guilherme da Silva Lima

During the covid-19 pandemic in Brazil, it was observed that a great number of false messages circulated on social media. Most of these messages featured scientific and technological elements. This article analyzes how scientific and technological aspects were used in false messages about the pandemic. From the Latam Chequea Coronavírus databank, we have compiled 152 false messages that featured the inappropriate use of scientific knowledge. The results showed that false messages appropriated science and technology to usurp their social value in search of credibility. To achieve this, the fake news used verbal-visual resources, authorities and mixed true and false information

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Aug 26, 2024 pt Article
Behind the scenes of science: journalism as a strategy for combating disinformation

by Kharen Stecca, Luiz Felipe Fernandes Neves and Tiago Mainieri

The article analyzes the series of reports Behind the Scenes of Science, produced by Jornal UFG in 2020, as an action to combat disinformation, spurred by attacks on a researcher during the covid-19 health emergency. In the content analysis of the series’ articles, it is possible to understand some of the values highlighted in the reports as a strategy of credibility of science and the university, as well as of the journalism. In this case, journalism serves as a filter of reality and strategy for defending institutions and science.

 

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Nov 11, 2024 en Article
Survey and characterization of initiatives that combine theatre and sciences in Argentina

by Javier Ricardo Garcia de Souza, Pablo Facundo Garcia and Rosana Mariel Aramburú

In recent years, numerous initiatives have emerged in Argentina where both scientists and artists combine science and theatre, either as a form of art and/or public science communication. In order to understand the current state of this field, a research was conducted involving an exhaustive search, a survey, and interviews. The goal was to identify what actions are being carried out in our country and who, how, and why these practices, which could be termed scientific theatre, are being developed, as well as to explore their histories, interests, and perceptions regarding this practice

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Practice Insights

Sep 16, 2024 pt Practice Insight
Podhans: public communication podcast about leprosy produced by listening to SUS users

by Fernanda Cassiano de Lima, Mariella Silva de Oliveira-Costa and Maria Fernanda Marques Fernandes

The study describes and analyzes the production of a health communication podcast based on the ‘Health Handbook of Persons Affected by Leprosy’, produced by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, in 2020. In a study that analyzed the perception of users treated at a specialized public outpatient clinic, it was observed that some of them were unable to read and interpret printed text. The perceived difficulties motivated the adaptation of the content and, thus, the Podhans podcast was created. With accessible and relaxed language, the 16 episodes explore useful topics about the daily lives of people with leprosy and the disease, created from listening to users and considering principles of public communication. Available online, it can be used in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) services and by social movements, expanding access to health information and communication about leprosy.

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Oct 07, 2024 en Practice Insight
The Challenge of Public Science Communication at the Institutional Level: A Situated Reflection

by Javier Garcia de Souza, María Fernanda Alvarez, Bianca Cortese, Paula Altieri and Carolina Monti

In Argentine institutes and scientific research centers, efforts are rarely dedicated to public science communication (PSC), which weakens the connection with the society to which they belong. For this reason, in 2015, the Institute of Limnology “Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet” (La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina) created its Extension and Communication Area, which has coordinated numerous activities at science fairs, schools, and neighborhoods. Through the implementation of a relational approach, adaptable to similar institutions, solid connections have been established with various sectors, and the internal revaluation and enhancement of PSC.

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Oct 28, 2024 es Practice Insight
The art of communicating science: a creative and reflective process through clown theater.

by Claudio I. Valencia, Malena Valencia, Mario Humberto Ramírez Díaz and Ana De Luca


In this article, we share a creative and pedagogical process that brings the so-called "science on stage" to life, emerging at the intersection of theater and science. Through a theater methodology, we use elements of the clown genre to develop a formative process rich in bodily and emotional expression, integrating narratives around science and culminating in a stage proposal. The result is an educational experience where emotion and reflection emerge as the undisputed protagonists, promoting deeper learning and a more meaningful connection with the audience, and in turn, a connection between the audience and scientific themes.

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Essays

Nov 25, 2024 en Essay
The Impact of Narratives from Excluded Populations on the Collective Construction of Science

by Christiane Bueno

 Limited representation in science has historically rendered the contributions of underrepresented groups invisible, perpetuating exclusion. However, stories of scientists who overcome these barriers emerge as powerful tools for transformation, challenging stereotypes and inspiring new generations. The visibility of diverse trajectories positively influences the aspirations of young people, especially women and minorities, fostering a more inclusive and innovative scientific community. Furthermore, effective science communication must reflect social diversity, combat misinformation, and promote greater societal engagement—crucial for strengthening public trust and achieving equitable scientific development.

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024

Reviews

Jul 15, 2024 es Review
Why communicate and take ownership of science? Answers from university extension

by Juan Ignacio Legaria

“Compartir las ciencias. Comunicación y apropiación de conocimientos en la extensión universitaria” invites us to think about the place of Public Communication of Science (CPC) and Social Appropriation of Knowledge (ASC) in university extension practices. Through a case study - Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos-, it goes through different historical developments of the CPC, the ASC and the different conceptions of university extension in Latin America.

Volume 7 • Issue 02 • 2024