Comparative Analysis of Blogs and Print Newspapers Coverage of Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of blogs and print newspapers in covering cholera outbreaks in Nigeria. Based on 152 empirical and conceptual sources from 2000 to 2025, this review synthesises how traditional and digital media platforms disseminate public health information during cholera crises. The study highlights the strengths and limitations of both media types, noting that while print media offer credibility and editorial integrity, blogs provide immediacy, accessibility, and wider reach, particularly among youth and online communities. However, challenges such as misinformation, inconsistent regulatory practices, and a lack of comparative cholera-focused studies persist. Using Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA), this review identifies the main methods, theoretical frameworks, and framing strategies employed in previous research. The findings emphasise the need for integrated health communication strategies that combine credibility with reach, and the study concludes with practical recommendations for media professionals, health agencies, and policymakers. It also highlights significant research gaps and proposes future directions for empirical investigation.