C S Lopez1, E Krauskopf2, C E Villota3, L O Burzio2, J E Villegas4. 1. Fundación Ciencia & Vida - Andes Biotechnologies SpA, Av. Zañartu 1482, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile. 2. Fundación Ciencia & Vida - Andes Biotechnologies SpA, Av. Zañartu 1482, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andrés Bello, Republica 217, Santiago, Chile. 3. Fundación Ciencia & Vida - Andes Biotechnologies SpA, Av. Zañartu 1482, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Bernardo O Higgins, General Gana 1780, Santiago, Chile. 4. Fundación Ciencia & Vida - Andes Biotechnologies SpA, Av. Zañartu 1482, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Andrés Bello, Republica 217, Santiago, Chile. Electronic address: jvillegas@bioschile.cl.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecologic malignancy worldwide and is the sixth cause of cancer death in Chile. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for most cervical cancers. Individuals seeking basic information about HPV frequently turn to health information websites. We hypothesized that some of their data may be inaccurate. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative analysis of information. METHODS: We analyze the content of highly accessed websites such as the Spanish version of Wikipedia and Yahoo Answers through the application of a questionnaire, as well as a website managed by the Chilean Ministry of Health (Minsal). The accuracy of each answer was confirmed by comparison with information retrieved from articles published by indexed journals. RESULTS: The information provided by the Spanish version of Wikipedia was accurate; nevertheless a few omissions were detected. The quality of the information provided by the Spanish version of Yahoo Answers was inaccurate and confusing. The Minsal website lacked important information on several topics about HPV even though it is managed and endorsed by the government. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest periodical content reviews to increase the completeness, transparency and correctness of the website.
OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecologic malignancy worldwide and is the sixth cause of cancer death in Chile. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for most cervical cancers. Individuals seeking basic information about HPV frequently turn to health information websites. We hypothesized that some of their data may be inaccurate. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative analysis of information. METHODS: We analyze the content of highly accessed websites such as the Spanish version of Wikipedia and Yahoo Answers through the application of a questionnaire, as well as a website managed by the Chilean Ministry of Health (Minsal). The accuracy of each answer was confirmed by comparison with information retrieved from articles published by indexed journals. RESULTS: The information provided by the Spanish version of Wikipedia was accurate; nevertheless a few omissions were detected. The quality of the information provided by the Spanish version of Yahoo Answers was inaccurate and confusing. The Minsal website lacked important information on several topics about HPV even though it is managed and endorsed by the government. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest periodical content reviews to increase the completeness, transparency and correctness of the website.
Authors: Emilie Karafillakis; Sam Martin; Clarissa Simas; Kate Olsson; Judit Takacs; Sara Dada; Heidi Jane Larson Journal: JMIR Public Health Surveill Date: 2021-02-08
Authors: Ryan Arams; Rachel E Weinstock; Emma Satterthwaite Muresianu; Stasha O'Callaghan; Elizabeth Tubridy; Yumarlin Torres Maita; Siobhan M Dolan Journal: Adolesc Health Med Ther Date: 2021-04-21