Julie Sowter1, Felicity Astin2, Louise Dye3, Paul Marshall4, Peter Knapp5. 1. School of Pharmacy, University of Bradford, UK. Electronic address: j.r.sowter@bradford.ac.uk. 2. School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, UK. 3. School of Psychology, University of Leeds, UK. 4. School of Health, University of Leeds, UK. 5. Dept. of Health Sciences, University of York, UK.
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.
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.