Accuracy of information about the intrauterine device on the Internet

Abstract

Background Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective methods of contraception, but use continues to lag behind less effective methods such as oral contraceptive pills and condoms. Women who are aware of the actual effectiveness of various contraceptive methods are more likely to choose the IUD. Conversely, women who are misinformed about the safety of IUDs may be less like to use this method. Individuals increasingly use the Internet for health information. Information about IUDs obtained through the Internet may influence attitudes about IUD use among patients. Objective Our objective was to evaluate the quality of information about intrauterine devices (IUDs) among websites providing contraceptive information to the public. Study Design We developed a 56-item structured questionnaire to evaluate the quality of information about IUDs available through the Internet. We then conducted an online search to identify websites containing information about contraception and IUDs using common search engines. The search was performed in August 2013 and websites were reviewed in October 2015 to ensure no substantial changes. Results Our search identified over 2000 websites, of which 108 were eligible for review; 105 (97.2%) of these sites contained information about IUDs. Eighty-six percent of sites provided at least one mechanism of the IUD. Most websites accurately reported advantages of the IUD including that it is long-acting (91%), highly effective (82%), and reversible (68%). However, only 30% of sites explicitly indicated that IUDs are safe. Fifty percent of sites (n=53) contained inaccurate information about the IUD such as an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease beyond the insertion month (27%) or that women in non-monogamous relationships (30%) and nulliparous women (20%) are not appropriate candidates. Forty-four percent of websites stated that a mechanism of IUDs is prevention of implantation of a fertilized egg. Only 3% of websites incorrectly stated that IUDs are an abortifacient. More than a quarter of sites listed an inaccurate contraindication to the IUD such as nulliparity, history of pelvic inflammatory disease, or history of an ectopic pregnancy. Conclusions The quality of information about IUDs available on the Internet is variable. Accurate information was mixed with inaccurate or outdated information that could perpetuate myths about IUDs. Clinicians need knowledge about accurate,, evidence-based Internet resources to provide to women given the inconsistent quality of information available through online sources.

Sexual Health and the Internet: Cross-Sectional Study of Online Preferences Among Adolescents

“…It promises greater access to health information, especially in sensitive areas such as sexual health [ 9 ]. However, it also bears the risk that incorrect information is accessed and perceived as accurate [ 17 , 37 ]. This is emphasized by the visible minority of students in our sample neglecting publisher credibility of sexual heath websites.…”

“…The Internet hence bears the potential to increase sexual health knowledge and promote healthy behavior, especially in socioeconomic and ethnic groups with lower levels of access to traditional sources of sexual health information [ 5 , 15 ]. However, reputable sexual health websites with sound content coexist with a vast array of websites presenting incorrect or incomplete information that can misinform and might ultimately lead to unhealthy behavior [ 16 , 17 ]. In the competitive market for online patronage, user centricity has been suggested as an important advantage [ 18 ].…”

Interventions to improve the use of long‐acting reversible contraceptive methods at primary health centers in Burkina Faso

“…In addition, many women mistakenly believe that the copper IUCD acts primarily by preventing implantation of the fertilized egg, thus causing an abortion. This belief is backed by the main religions of Burkina Faso and by poor‐quality websites that are easily accessible by many individuals in Ouagadougou . In the project area, SOGOB maintained communication aimed at providing correct information on the true mechanism of action of the copper IUCD, which is mainly related to its pre‐fertilization effects and the damage that it causes to the sperm and egg before they interact …”

“…This belief is backed by the main religions of Burkina Faso and by poor-quality websites that are easily accessible by many individuals in Ouagadougou. 17,18 In the project area, SOGOB maintained communication aimed at providing correct information on the true mechanism of action of the copper IUCD, which is mainly related to its pre-fertilization effects and the damage that it causes to the sperm and egg before they interact. 17,19 A goal of the project was to increase the proportion of new users of family planning who choose LARC methods, while respecting their free choice.…”

Communication on drug safety-related matters to patients: is it even more significant in this digital era?

“…While guiding them about using numerous digital health resources, 19 HCPs should refer individuals to websites that provide accurate, complete, and transparent information. 6,11 All members of the multidisciplinary treatment team should provide consistent, evidence-based messages on safety and efficacy, which will in turn help to arm the patients to combat the risks of messaging from family/friends and potentially from the internet. 20 Providing a combination of verbal and written health-related information that enables the provision of standardised information to patients or significant others is vital as it will improve knowledge and satisfaction on the discussed aspects.…”