Jeremy Y Ng1, Saad Ahmed2, Catherine Jiayi Zhang2. 1. Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada. ngjy2@mcmaster.ca. 2. Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery, Room 2112, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given the high prevalence of dietary and herbal supplement (DHS) use in tandem with the growing ease of internet access, patients commonly search online for consumer health information about these products. One common reason for DHSs use includes weight loss. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the quality of online information about DHSs for weight loss so they can adequately counsel their patients and provide them with guidance surrounding the identification of high-quality information resources. This study aimed to assess the quality of online DHSs consumer health information for weight loss that a "typical" patient might access online. METHODS: Six search terms were used to generate the first 20 websites on the Google search engine in four countries: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States (n = 480 websites). After applying exclusion criteria, eligible websites were quality assessed using the DISCERN instrument. This tool is comprised of 16 questions, each evaluated on a 5-point scale. The averages and standard deviations for each DISCERN instrument item, in addition to overall summed scores between 15 and 75 were calculated. RESULTS: Across 87 eligible websites, the mean summed score was 44.80 (SD = 11.53), while the mean overall DISCERN score of each website was 2.72 (SD = 0.99). In general, websites detailed and achieved their specified aims and described treatment benefits. However, most websites failed to describe the impact of treatment on overall quality of life and the impact of a no treatment option. The highest-scoring websites were largely government or health portal websites, while the lowest-scoring websites were largely commercial in nature. CONCLUSION: High variability in DISCERN instrument scores was found across all websites assessed. Healthcare providers should be aware of the fact that their patients may be accessing misinformation online surrounding the use of DHSs for weight loss. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to ensure that they are providing their patients with guidance on how to identify high-quality resources online, in order that safe, effective, and evidence-based decisions are made surrounding the use of DHSs for weight loss.
BACKGROUND: Given the high prevalence of dietary and herbal supplement (DHS) use in tandem with the growing ease of internet access, patients commonly search online for consumer health information about these products. One common reason for DHSs use includes weight loss. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the quality of online information about DHSs for weight loss so they can adequately counsel their patients and provide them with guidance surrounding the identification of high-quality information resources. This study aimed to assess the quality of online DHSs consumer health information for weight loss that a "typical" patient might access online. METHODS: Six search terms were used to generate the first 20 websites on the Google search engine in four countries: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States (n = 480 websites). After applying exclusion criteria, eligible websites were quality assessed using the DISCERN instrument. This tool is comprised of 16 questions, each evaluated on a 5-point scale. The averages and standard deviations for each DISCERN instrument item, in addition to overall summed scores between 15 and 75 were calculated. RESULTS: Across 87 eligible websites, the mean summed score was 44.80 (SD = 11.53), while the mean overall DISCERN score of each website was 2.72 (SD = 0.99). In general, websites detailed and achieved their specified aims and described treatment benefits. However, most websites failed to describe the impact of treatment on overall quality of life and the impact of a no treatment option. The highest-scoring websites were largely government or health portal websites, while the lowest-scoring websites were largely commercial in nature. CONCLUSION: High variability in DISCERN instrument scores was found across all websites assessed. Healthcare providers should be aware of the fact that their patients may be accessing misinformation online surrounding the use of DHSs for weight loss. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to ensure that they are providing their patients with guidance on how to identify high-quality resources online, in order that safe, effective, and evidence-based decisions are made surrounding the use of DHSs for weight loss.
Keywords:
Consumer health information; DISCERN; Dietary and herbal supplements; Information assessment; Internet; Quality of information; Website; Weight loss
Authors: Luigi Barrea; Barbara Altieri; Barbara Polese; Barbara De Conno; Giovanna Muscogiuri; Annamaria Colao; Silvia Savastano Journal: Int J Obes Suppl Date: 2019-04-12
Authors: Seth C Kalichman; Chauncey Cherry; Denise White; Miche'l Jones; Moira O Kalichman; Mervi A Detorio; Angela M Caliendo; Raymond F Schinazi Journal: AIDS Res Ther Date: 2012-01-10 Impact factor: 2.250
Authors: Heidi Michels Blanck; Mary K Serdula; Cathleen Gillespie; Deborah A Galuska; Patricia A Sharpe; Joan M Conway; Laura Kettel Khan; Barbara E Ainsworth Journal: J Am Diet Assoc Date: 2007-03
Authors: Mohd Shahezwan Abd Wahab; Muhammad Mustaqim Jalani; Khang Wen Goh; Long Chiau Ming; Erwin Martinez Faller Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-02 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Mohd Shahezwan Abd Wahab; Nurfarah Nadiah Abd Hamid; Ali Omar Yassen; Mohd Javed Naim; Javed Ahamad; Nur Wahida Zulkifli; Farhana Fakhira Ismail; Muhammad Harith Zulkifli; Khang Wen Goh; Long Chiau Ming Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-20 Impact factor: 4.614