Quality, Accessibility and Readability of Online Health Information on Prostate Cancer
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Abstract
Background:
The Internet currently serves as a source for information seeking for 60-80% of patients. Recent studies have reported of acceptable quality, accessibility and readability of health information on cardiovascular and orthopedic diseases. Especially in the field of prostate cancer patients are offered many different treatment options and thus are in need of valuable information.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess the quality, accessibility and readability of health information on prostate cancer on the Internet.
Methods:
We searched Google for the term "prostate cancer" and assessed the first 20 search results. Quality was measured by compliance to the HON-code and by assessment of the DISCERN score. The validated LIDA tool was used to measure accessibility, usability and reliability. The readability was assessed using Flesch Flesch-Kincaid Grad Level and Automated Readability Index.
Results:
Seven of 20 websites (35%) were certified by the HON-code. The mean DISCERN instrument score was 63% ± 20%. The mean LIDA tool scores were 91% ± 5% for accessibility, 91% ± 3% for usability and 86% ± 9% for reliability. The mean Flesch Flesch-Kincaid Grad Level was 7.4 ± 1.6 and Automated Readability Index was 6.9 ± 1.8.
Conclusions:
Health information on prostate cancer in the Internet is of high quality according to the DISCERN instrument. However, only one third of websites are HON-code certified. Websites show good to excellent values for accessibility, usability and reliability. Information provided in these websites is easy to understand. An education of 7 school years is sufficient to read online health information. Thus, caregivers should advise patients to seek for health information online in addition to their personal visits in doctor's offices and hospitals.
The Internet currently serves as a source for information seeking for 60-80% of patients. Recent studies have reported of acceptable quality, accessibility and readability of health information on cardiovascular and orthopedic diseases. Especially in the field of prostate cancer patients are offered many different treatment options and thus are in need of valuable information.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess the quality, accessibility and readability of health information on prostate cancer on the Internet.
Methods:
We searched Google for the term "prostate cancer" and assessed the first 20 search results. Quality was measured by compliance to the HON-code and by assessment of the DISCERN score. The validated LIDA tool was used to measure accessibility, usability and reliability. The readability was assessed using Flesch Flesch-Kincaid Grad Level and Automated Readability Index.
Results:
Seven of 20 websites (35%) were certified by the HON-code. The mean DISCERN instrument score was 63% ± 20%. The mean LIDA tool scores were 91% ± 5% for accessibility, 91% ± 3% for usability and 86% ± 9% for reliability. The mean Flesch Flesch-Kincaid Grad Level was 7.4 ± 1.6 and Automated Readability Index was 6.9 ± 1.8.
Conclusions:
Health information on prostate cancer in the Internet is of high quality according to the DISCERN instrument. However, only one third of websites are HON-code certified. Websites show good to excellent values for accessibility, usability and reliability. Information provided in these websites is easy to understand. An education of 7 school years is sufficient to read online health information. Thus, caregivers should advise patients to seek for health information online in addition to their personal visits in doctor's offices and hospitals.
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