Quality and readability of web-based Arabic health information on periodontal disease

Abstract

Background Currently, the Internet seems to be a helpful tool for obtaining information about everything that we think about, including diseases, their prevention and treatment approaches. However, doubts exist regarding the quality and readability of such information. This study sought to assess the quality and readability of web-based Arabic information on periodontal disease. Methods In this infodemiological study, the Google, Yahoo!, and Bing search engines were searched using specific Arabic terms on periodontal disease. The first 100 consecutive websites from each engine were obtained. The eligible websites were categorized as commercial, health/professional, journalism, and other. The following tools were applied to assess the quality of the information on the included websites: the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and the DISCERN tool. The readability was assessed using an online readability tool. Results Of the 300 websites, 89 were eligible for quality and readability analyses. Only two websites (2.3%) were HONcode certified. Based on the DISCERN tool, 43 (48.3%) websites had low scores. The mean score of the JAMA benchmarks was 1.6 ± 1.0, but only 3 (3.4%) websites achieved “yes” responses for all four JAMA criteria. Based on the DISCERN tool, health/professional websites revealed the highest quality of information compared to other website categories. Most of the health/professional websites revealed moderate-quality information, while 55% of the commercial websites, 66% of journalism websites, and 43% of other websites showed poor quality information. Regarding readability, most of the analyzed websites presented simple and readable written content. Conclusions Aside from readable content, Arabic health information on the analyzed websites on periodontal disease is below the required level of quality.

The Attitudes of Egyptian Web-Based Health Information Seekers Toward Health Information Provided Through the Internet: Qualitative Study

“…We used a graphic representation to show the key elements of our findings ( Figure 1 ). Overall, the participants expressed a preference for using the internet as a source of health information in comparison with other health information sources, which was consistent with previous studies with both English-and Arabic-speaking internet users [ 3 , 12 ]. Participants provided convenience, anonymity, and accessibility of OHI as reasons for using OHI.…”

“…Laugesen et al [ 29 ] explained that physicians have a greater impact on patient’s health outcomes and compliance than internet health information. Concerns expressed by physicians in this study about the quality of health information on the internet and access to reliable websites followed similar studies [ 12 , 30 ]. Broom et al [ 24 ] recommended that to promote the impact of OHI on health, physicians should consider it as a complementary tool, rather than reflecting a breakdown in their authority or status.…”

“…The availability of OHI is known to empower patients toward healthier behavior changes, become active collaborators in their health decisions, and become more adherent to their treatment [ 11 ]. Nevertheless, many concerns have been raised about using the OHI, such as the quality, completeness, and accuracy of OHI, especially in the Arabic language, which is difficult to ascertain by OHI users [ 2 , 12 ]. Previous studies have found a direct relationship between OHI seeking and health literacy [ 13 ].…”

Evaluating breast cancer websites targeting Arabic speakers: empirical investigation of popularity, availability, accessibility, readability, and quality

“…The Google Trends tool and selected search engines were used to retrieve information on breast cancer using related Arabic terms [ 30 ]. Google trends tool analyzes data from the Google search engine.…”

Self-Efficacy of Saudi Patients with Autoimmune Diseases in Managing Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Ocular Complications: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…On the other hand, studies have reported lower readability and quality of information on Arabic websites [ 21 ]. This may impose a language barrier for disadvantaged individuals who are older or those with lower educational levels.…”