Quality of online information for the general public on COVID-19

[摘要] Objectives: To analyse the quality of information included in websites aimed at the public on COVID-19. Methods: Yahoo!, Google and Bing search engines were browsed using selected keywords on COVID-19. The first 100 websites from each search engine for each keyword were evaluated. Validated tools were used to assess readability [Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES)], usability and reliability (LIDA tool) and quality (DISCERN instrument). Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: Eighty-four eligible sites were analysed. The median FRES score was 54.2 (range: 23.2-73.5). The median LIDA usability and reliability scores were 46 (range: 18-54) and 37(range:14-51), respectively. A low (<50 %) overall LIDA score was recorded for 30.9 % (n = 26) of the websites. The median DISCERN score was 49.5 (range: 21-77). The DISCERN score of <50 % was found in 45 (53.6 %) websites. The DISCERN score was significantly associated with LIDA usability and reliability scores (p < 0.001) and the FRES score (p = 0.024). Conclusion: The majority of websites on COVID-19 for the public had moderate to low scores with regards to readability, usability, reliability and quality. Practice Implications: Prompt strategies should be implemented to standardize online health information on COVID-19 during this pandemic to ensure the general public has access to good quality reliable information. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[发布日期] 2020-12-01

[关键词] Quality;Quality of information;COVID-19;Education websites;General public;Internet;2019-novel coronavirus;SARS-CoV-2