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The study aimed to assess the quality and readability of webbased information regarding the gingival recession. An internet search was done using two engines (Google and Bing) with the terms "gingival recession," "gum recession," and "receding gums." Each search engine's top 100 results for each query were filtered out. The websites' reliability and level of quality were evaluated using the JAMA and DISCERN scores, respectively. Readability was analyzed by the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog index (GFI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index, the Coleman-Liau score (CL), the Linsear Write (LW) readability formula and the Automated Readability Index (ARI), via an online readability tool. Of the 151 websites, 81.5% were private dental clinics, 9.3% were advertising sites, 4.6% were national health services, and 4.6% were nonprofit organizations. 11.3% of the websites achieved all four JAMA benchmarks, and the JAMA average of all websites was 2.06. The mean FRES was 54.48, and the mean GFI was 12.82. The mean DISCERN scores for all websites were 43.64 and the DISCERN scores of the websites prepared by periodontologists were statistically significantly higher than the others. The online health information regarding gingival recession has fair reliability and difficult readability. It is essential to produce website information free from commercial bias and simple for patients to understand fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the readability and reliability of online content related to cerebral palsy (CP) and to classify sites that contain quality and readable information. On April 30, 2022, the term "cerebral palsy" was searched on the Google search engine. The categories, quality, content, readability, Alexa rank values, and backlink numbers of the sites were analyzed. The Journal of American Medical Association score and HONcode seal were used for quality assessment, and the Flesch–Kincaid grade (FKG) and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) were used for readability assessment. Of the 155 sites, 46 had high-quality content. The quality of health portal and scientific publishing sites appeared to be high. The top 10 sites were determined to be of significantly higher quality (p =.017) than the remaining sites. The average readability values of the sites were not at the recommended level. Despite the abundance of information available on CP-related websites, most of them were not of high quality. Additionally, many websites did not reach the recommended readability levels. Revision of existing online content related to CP and production of new high-quality content in line with readability recommendations is urgently required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to examine whether online information regarding male infertility on Swedish fertility clinics' websites was readable, suitable, and of appropriate quality. A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate 22 fertility clinics' websites focusing on male infertility by using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), and the DISCERN instrument. Results showed that information focusing on male infertility was scanty but had an "adequate" readability and was easy to comprehend. The conclusion was that the information on the websites must be reliable, so that men can base their choices concerning their fertility issues on reliable facts. It is important that health care professionals develop high quality sources of information regarding male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the level of readability of online information on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Readability of 100 English-language websites was assessed by five readability measures: Flesch-Kincaid Grade level (FKGL), Gunning Fox Index (GFI), Coleman Liau Index (CLI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE). A majority (90%+) of the sample was determined to have unacceptable readability levels, with averages at least one standard deviation away from recommended levels. Not more than a tenth of the websites measured readability to be acceptable or not equivalent to grade seven and above. Results suggest an urgent need for health professionals who create online information related to GDM to revisit and revise the text to be simplified and more readable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the content, quality, and readability of orthodontic information contained on the websites of general dental practices located in Australia. An online search strategy was adopted to identify practice websites for evaluation. Websites satisfying inclusion/exclusion criteria were checked for the presence of pre-determined orthodontic treatment-related items. Three validated quality of health information and readability tools were applied for website content assessment. A total of 231 websites satisfied inclusion/exclusion criteria. The mean overall [SD] DISCERN score was 29.87 (6.03)/80, [95%CI: 29.09–30.65]. The majority of the websites (88.3%) recorded poor or very poor DISCERN quality of information scores. Most websites described orthodontic clear aligner treatment (91.3%). Information regarding Invisalign® was provided by 69.3% and myofunctional therapy by 22.5%. Only 7 (3%) websites indicated that orthodontic retention was indefinite. The mean [SD] Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) score was 10.10 [1.31], (95%CI: 9.95–10.25). The SMOG and Flesch Reading Ease scores were closely correlated (r = −0.9041; 95%CI: −0.93 to −0.88; p < 0.0001) and signified difficult-to-read information. The content authors should consider the use of quality information and readability tools to ensure that readers access high-quality and readable information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate whether the authoritative COVID-19 consumer health information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States (U.S.) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is at low readability levels (i.e., at or below a sixth-grade reading level). Major public health organizations, such as these have quickly distributed authoritative COVID-19 health information on the Internet during the pandemic. However, scant research has assessed whether the information disseminated by these two major public health organizations enables access by adults from the general public. This study examines the Flesch-Kincaid grade levels of the COVID-19 health information in English distributed by the CDC and the WHO. The study is guided by communication and information science frameworks. It examines the reading level of the resources to see if they are compatible with the guidelines of the American Medical Association for patient education materials. The methodology used centered on content and document analyses. The samples analyzed were identified through accessing the COVID-19 health information shared on the websites of the public library systems of the twenty largest cities in the U.S. The results show that the documents reviewed in the study are not compatible with the sixth-grade reading level recommended by the American Medical Association for patient education materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals and other stakeholders have expressed concerns about the quality of information provided by Internet-based sources. The current study examines the website origin, type of information content, quality, readability, and suitability of English-language Internet information about children with primary speech and language disorders (S/LD). The 100 most frequently viewed websites related to children with primary S/LD were identified. Origin of website and informational content was categorized. Websites were analyzed to ascertain their readability, quality, and suitability. Statistical calculations were employed to examine website ratings, differences between website origin and readability, and quality and suitability scores. A majority of the websites were of a commercial origin. Results indicated high readability across all websites. Quality was rated as low and no differences between website origin were noted. The websites were generally rated as having adequate suitability, though learning stimulation/motivation was rated least suitable. Readability, quality, and suitability of Internet-based information are important components in the accessibility of information for people with different communication disorders. To incorporate Internet-based information in their practice, healthcare stakeholders need to be aware of the limits and benefits of available information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined health literacy of postpartum education materials assessing readability, understandability and cultural sensitivity using common health literacy measures. Materials examined rated poorly on measures of health literacy and cultural sensitivity using evidence-based measures including the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), Fry-based Readability and National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS). Findings suggested a need for health literate and culturally sensitive postpartum education. Materials and an App were developed for new moms to help them identify postpartum warning-signs and appropriate action moms should take to address symptoms or seek emergent care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and kills an estimated 29,000 people per year (over one-half of which is directly attributable to C. diff). The objective of this study was to evaluate the readability of information on 100 English language websites related to C. diff. The first 100 English language websites resulting from a Google search were the sample. The analysis strongly indicated that websites providing information on C. diff are written at a reading level exceeding the recommended level. The majority of websites included in this sample were not written at the readability level recommended. Hence, it is recommended that information on the internet about C. diff be written at a level that is more accessible to a wide audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the accuracy and readability of Wikipedia on the subject of hearing loss. A total of 39 articles were evaluated using a modified version of the DISCERN quality rating tool and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level tool. Twenty percent of articles were rated as 'Good' in accuracy, 60% as 'Moderate', with the remaining 20% rated as 'Poor'. All articles, with the exception of one, scored 10 or above in readability, indicating a level of reading which is difficult to understand. A focus on improving the readability of Wikipedia for the general public is recommended to improve its effectiveness as an online health resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increasing global accessibility and universal availability of the Internet, online information has become the primary source of health information for patients for conditions, including stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Purpose: Our goal was to assess online health information available for patients and families on stroke and TIA. Specifically, we assessed the content, quality, reliability and readability of websites using a content checklist generated by our team as well as standardized tools. Findings: The definition of stroke, as well as signs, symptoms and causes were the most commonly mentioned information on stroke and TIA websites while complications of therapy were the least mentioned. The average website readability age was 15 years or more. Only 24.5% of websites were certified by Health on the Net Foundation. Overall JAMA criteria score was low (the highest met criterion is in only 68% of websites). The average score for DISCERN criteria for website quality was 3.36/5. Conclusion: Stroke and TIA websites commonly define stroke and when to access medical care but have little information on the complications of stroke therapies. Much of the information is difficult to read for low literacy audiences and the quality of the information is highly variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital patient education committees play a critical role in providing appropriate and easy-to-read patient education materials. As previous literature has noted, health literacy impacts individuals of all demographics and effects the patient’s ability to understand the patient education given to them at discharge. In keeping with the movement of organizational improvement regarding health literacy, creating a review process, potentially through a patient education committee, is essential. At one academic medical center, the Patient Centered Education Committee encourages staff members to write patient education geared towards the patient population. With the help of a librarian, these custom written patient education documents are reviewed for literacy. This paper will address the librarian’s role in changing the standard work to include literacy review as well as addressing health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many veterans’ health resources. These resources provide much needed information to veterans, their loved ones, and caregivers. Online materials are available from a wide range of organizations including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Oftentimes, veterans’ health information is written at an advanced reading level using complicated terminology and not the recommended fifth to eighth grade reading levels. This article will provide a list of these resources and a discussion of their readability in comparison to MedlinePlus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many library-subscribed clinical databases contain educational materials for physicians and librarians to share with patients. These materials are typically written in layperson language meant to be understood by the average, nonclinician person. However, the materials found in these online databases vary widely, and some are better than others. This article uses the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) to evaluate the patient education content of several popular clinical databases, including Access Medicine, Clinical Key, DynaMed Plus, Epocrates, and UpToDate. These databases are also evaluated on other, more basic criteria, including findability, content, printing to PDF, customizability, and available languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients are often given patient education documents to take home with them when they leave the hospital. It is important that these documents be at an appropriate grade level since some patients have low health literacy and may be unable to read the materials given to them. Evaluators can use readability tools to assess their patient education materials and make sure they are at a sixth- to eighth-grade reading level. The hospital librarian can play a large role in identifying the grade level of patient education materials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite the increasing use of online health literacy resources, scholars and practitioners assess Web sites based on readability measures such as sentence length, word choice, and other “print-centric” features to the exclusion of features unique to online media. In this article, we offer an alternative approach that accounts for multiple modes of communication and non-linear arrangement—features that characterize online media. To demonstrate this approach, we detail a recent project to redesign a cancer patient web portal. Included in our discussion of the project is a heuristic tool for designing web navigation as well as detailed examples of reworded content. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a disorder of the connective tissue. There are six forms of the disease, with the vascular form being the most dangerous. Persons with this form of the disorder are often misdiagnosed. At times the first indication of the disease is arterial rupture, which is often lethal. The Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation was established to bring awareness, provide support, and raise funds for research. This nonprofit organization was founded in 1985 by one person and has grown to include many thousands of members that either have a form of the disorder or care for someone with it. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examined consumers' perceptions about health information in the mass media, specifically local television news and news web sites. Seventeen women and fifteen men participated in interviews or focus groups. Recurrent themes within and across groups were examined. Consumers' understanding of online health news was assessed using modified Cloze tests and the Shortened Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Findings revealed that participants perceived that the media sensationalized traditional and online health news, although they often relied on the news media for information. Participants demonstrated adequate comprehension of health news as evidenced by Cloze and S-TOFHLA scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial information products often have patient education handouts built into their systems. How readable are they to the average patient? This study attempts to answer this question by sampling and scoring handouts from three different producers. The patient education handouts from MD Consult, Micromedex Care Notes, and ADAM were analyzed and scored using the average of three reading level formulas. The results indicate that most handouts are above the average reading level of most patients, with Micromedex Care Notes scoring the best in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Approximately 78 million adult Americans suffer from the consequences of low health literacy, including poor health outcomes, frequent emergency visits, and hospitalizations. This article discusses the development of the Health Literacy Now Web site for improving communication between health care providers and patients with low health literacy. The Web site promotes health literacy through three interrelated components: clear health information on chronic diseases and their management, tools to improve the health literacy environment of a clinical setting, and development of a health literacy manual to provide a step-by-step guidance for health care providers to communicate effectively with their patients. The article describes the need for this Web site, the methods used to develop it, and its application in both the inpatient and outpatient settings for improving patient-provider communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]