Evaluating the Quality and Readability of Online Resources for Covid-19 in Pregnancy: An Assessment of Web Based Information (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The internet is a source for inquiries and a way to distribute information. Pregnant women may look to the internet for information about COVID-19’s impact on pregnancy. As providers, it’s vital to provide patients with information that is both reliable and comprehendible. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the readability and quality of web-based information regarding Covid-19 in pregnancy. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the quality, readability, and accuracy of web-based information regarding Covid-19 in pregnancy. METHODS The JAMA benchmark tool was used to evaluate the websites. Readability was assessed using Flesch-Kincaid reading ease and Flesch-Kincaid grade level. An interrater reliability analysis using the Kappa statistic was performed to determine consistency among raters. RESULTS The mean score using the JAMA tool was 3.53 (SD, 0.74). The majority of the websites came from news sites (37.8%). The median reading grade level was 11.9. The interrater reliability for the raters was found to be Kappa=0.363 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that reliable information regarding Covid-19 in pregnancy was available online. An assessment of website content indicated that both grade levels and reading ease was higher than recommended. By guiding patients to reliable and accurate sources we can educate our patients while also guiding shared decision making.