Haseki Tıp Bülteni (Nov 2022)
Evaluating the Information Content, Readability, and Reliability of Turkish Websites about Fibromyalgia
Abstract
Aim:Although fibromyalgia patients frequently use the internet to get information about their diseases, there is no comprehensive and strong study investigating the quality and reliability of websites offering online information in Turkish. The aim of this study was to examine the content, readability, and reliability levels of the information published on Turkish websites about fibromyalgia.Methods:In May 2022, the words “fibromyalgia” and “muscle rheumatism” were scanned on a Google search, and the websites in the first 20 pages were investigated. The websites were divided into three groups according to the creator: Group 1= hospitals, associations, and official institutions; group 2= health professionals; and group 3= others (news sites, blogs, etc.). The readability level was evaluated according to the Ateşman and Bezirci-Yılmaz formula; the reliability was evaluated according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) score; and the information content was evaluated by referring to the subject headings in the patient information booklet prepared by the Turkish Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Association. The grouping of the websites and evaluation of the JAMA score were rated by two independent researchers.Results:One hundred and seven websites were included in the study; 48 (44.8%) were in group 1, 28 (26.2%) were in group 2, and 31 (29.0%) were in group 3. The median Ateşman value of all websites was 47.3 [minimum (min.)=21.6, maximum (max.)=80.2]; the median Bezirci-Yılmaz value was 13.1 (min.=4.8, max.=22.7). The JAMA median score was 2.0 (min.=0, max.=4), and 102 (95.2%) websites were classified as low-reliable (JAMA score≤2). The information content of 12 (11.2%) websites was complete. There was no difference between the groups in terms of the JAMA score, Ateşman, and Bezirci-Yılmaz values (p=0.705, 0.801, and 0.697, respectively). Websites on the first two pages (n=16) had a slightly lower JAMA score than the next pages (p=0.011). Inter-rater consistency was excellent (Cohen’s=0.89 and 0.823, respectively; p<0.001).Conclusion:Turkish websites are far from providing sufficient and quality information on fibromyalgia. Physicians and patients should be aware of this situation; relevant institutions should develop the necessary health policies to solve the problem.
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