Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality, readability and coverage of website information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms.
STUDY DESIGN: A purposive sample of commercial and non-commercial websites was assessed for quality (DISCERN), readability (SMOG) and information coverage.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Non-parametric and parametric tests were used to explain the variability of these factors across types of websites and to assess associations between website quality and information coverage.
RESULTS: 39 sites were assessed. Median quality and information coverage scores were 44/80 and 11/30 respectively. The median readability score was 18.7, similar to UK broadsheets. Commercial websites scored significantly lower on quality (p=0.014), but there were no statistical differences for information coverage or readability. There was a significant positive correlation between information quality and coverage scores irrespective of website provider (r=0.69, p<0.001, n=39).
CONCLUSION: Overall website quality and information coverage are poor and the required reading level high.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 16-22 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Maturitas |
Volume | 88 |
Early online date | 4 Mar 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2016 |
Bibliographical note
© 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.Keywords
- Comprehension
- Humans
- Internet
- Menopause/drug effects
- Phytotherapy