Evaluation of online text‐based information resources of gynaecological cancer symptoms

Abstract

Abstract Background Gynaecological cancer symptoms are often vague and non‐specific. Quality health information is central to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the quality of online text‐based patient information resources regarding gynaecological cancer symptoms. Methods A targeted website search and Google search were conducted to identify health information resources published by the Australian government and non‐government health organisations. Resources were classified by topic (gynaecological health, gynaecological cancers, cancer, general health); assessed for reading level (Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, SMOG) and difficulty (Flesch Reading Ease, FRE); understandability and actionability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool, PEMAT, 0–100), whereby higher scores indicate better understandability/actionability. Seven criteria were used to assess cultural inclusivity specific for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; resources which met 3–5 items were deemed to be moderately inclusive and 6+ items as inclusive. Results A total of 109 resources were identified and 76% provided information on symptoms in the context of gynaecological cancers. The average readability was equivalent to a grade 10 reading level on the SMOG and classified as ‘difficult to read’ on the FRE. The mean PEMAT scores were 95% (range 58–100) for understandability and 13% (range 0–80) for actionability. Five resources were evaluated as being moderately culturally inclusive. No resource met all the benchmarks. Conclusions This study highlights the inadequate quality of online resources available on pre‐diagnosis gynaecological cancer symptom information. Resources should be revised in line with the recommended standards for readability, understandability and actionability and to meet the needs of a culturally diverse population.

Keywords

• cultural inclusion
• gynaecological cancer
• gynaecological symptoms
• health literacy
• indigenous health
• internet