Assessments of the Quality, Understandability, and Actionability of Arabic Web-Based Content on Oral Cancer and Precancerous Disorders

مقال فى مجلة

2024

تم النشر فى: https://karger.com/sjh/article-pdf/doi/10.1159/000539051/4238564/000539051.pdf

Abstract

Introduction: Empowering high-risk individuals to oral cancer and potentially cancerous disorders with written health information is needed for early detection of mucosal changes and self-care. This infodemiological study aimed to assess the web-based and Arabic content related to these disorders when quickly searching the internet. 

 

Methods: The top 20 websites yielded from each of the 7 searches were initially screened for eligibility (oral cancer, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions, and oral graft-versus-host disease). These related to search terms written for healthcare con- sumers were assessed for website characteristics, quality criteria (4 JAMA benchmarks [authorship, attribution, dis- closure, and currency] and Health on the Net seal), and understandability and actionability (Patient Education Ma- terials Assessment Tool). The latter was scored from 0 to 100% based on meeting the criteria. Data representation and analysis were performed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS. 

 

Results: Of the screened 140 websites, 70 (50%) were included in the analysis for all search terms, with oral cancer and lichen planus yielding the most relevant web- sites (19 and 17, respectively). Commercial and not-for-profit organisations created 50% of the analysed websites. The analysed content was mainly presented as medical facts (71%), often without presenting audiovisual aids (61%). The average JAMA benchmarks achieved per website were 2.5 out of 4, of which “disclosure” and “attribution” were often missing in more than 70% of these websites. Content related to oral cancer and leukoplakia considerably obtained higher average quality benchmarks than other disorders. Accept- able levels for understandability and actionability (≥70%) were found in 52% and 15% of all materials. 

 

Conclusion: Patients with these oral disorders seeking web-based in- formation before or after healthcare visits are unlikely to find sufficient and reliable content they can understand and act upon accordingly. Thus, healthcare stakeholders may con- sider creating and integrating reliable information resources within the health services to support the patients’ informed decision-making on their care plans and to maintain value- based healthcare services in line with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation vision for 2030.

• مجلة/صحيفة: Saudi J Health Syst Res