Internet health resources on nocturnal enuresis - a readability, quality, and accuracy analysis [Oral presentation]

Abstract

<p><strong>Aim of the study:</strong></p><p>Nocturnal enuresis is a common yet quality of life-limiting paediatric condition. There is an increasing trend for parents to obtain information on disease nature and treatment options via the internet. However, the quality of health-related information on the Internet varies greatly and is largely uncontrolled and unregulated. With this study, a readability, quality, and accuracy evaluation on the health information on nocturnal enuresis is carried out. </p><p><strong>Method:</strong></p><p>A questionnaire was administered to parents and patients with nocturnal enuresis to determine their use of the internet to research their condition. The most common search terms were determined, and the first 30 websites returned by the most popular search engines were used to assess the quality of information about nocturnal enuresis. Each site was categorized by type and assessed for readability using the Gunning-Fog score, SMOG index, Dale-Chall score, for quality using the DISCERN score and for accuracy compared to ICCS guidelines by three experienced pediatric urologists and nephrologists</p><p><strong>Results:</strong></p><p>A total of 30 websites were assessed and classified into five categories: professional (n = 13), non-profit (n = 8), commercial (n = 4), government (n = 3), and other (n = 2). Comprehension of the information was considered difficult to public with a mean Gunning-Fog score, SMOG index score, Dale-Chall score of 12.1+/-4.3, 14.1+/-4.3 and 8.1+/-1.3 respectively. The mean summed DISCERN score was 41+/-11.6 out of 75. Only 7 (23%) websites were considered of good quality (DISCERN score > 50). The mean accuracy score of the websites was 3.2+/- 0.6 out of 5. Commercial websites were of the poorest quality and accuracy. Websites generally scored well in providing their aims, identifying treatment benefits and options, while lacked references and information regarding treatment risks and mechanisms.</p><p>​​​​​​​<strong>Conclusions: </strong></p><p>Online information about nocturnal enuresis exists for parents; however most websites are of suboptimal quality, readability, and accuracy. Paediatric surgeons should be aware of parents’ health information-seeking behavior and be proactive in guiding parents identify high-quality resources.</p>