Abstract 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… Click to show full abstract
Abstract 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.
               
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