Sowter, J, Astin, F, Dye, L et al. (2 more authors) (2016) Assessment of the quality and content of website health information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms. Maturitas, 88. pp. 16-22. ISSN 0378-5122
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.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Menopause; World Wide Web; Internet; Health information; Herbal remedies |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Psychology (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 28 Apr 2016 11:21 |
Last Modified: | 29 Jun 2016 15:40 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.02.016 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.02.016 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:99126 |