Aims: To evaluate the quality of web-based information on alcohol dependence and to assess particular content quality indicators. Methods: Three keywords, 'alcohol addiction', 'alcohol dependence' and 'alcohol abuse' were entered into three popular World Wide Web search engines. Websites were assessed with a standardized proforma designed to rate sites on the basis of accountability, presentation, interactivity, readability and content quality. 'Health on the Net' (HON) quality label, and DISCERN scale scores aimed to assist persons without content expertise to assess quality of written health publication and were used to verify their efficiency as quality indicators. Results: Of the 180 websites identified, 104 were included. Based on outcome measures, the overall quality of the sites turned-out to be poor. The global scores appeared as good content quality indicators. Conclusions: While alcohol education web sites for patients are widespread, their educational material highly varies in quality and content. Drugs Edu Prev Pol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of York on 11/21/14 For personal use only. Web-based information on alcohol dependence 249 Drugs Edu Prev Pol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of York on 11/21/14 For personal use only. Drugs Edu Prev Pol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of York on 11/21/14 For personal use only. Web-based information on alcohol dependence 251 Drugs Edu Prev Pol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of York on 11/21/14 For personal use only. Web-based information on alcohol dependence 255 Drugs Edu Prev Pol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of York on 11/21/14 For personal use only. Web-based information on alcohol dependence 259 Drugs Edu Prev Pol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of York on 11/21/14 For personal use only.
In order to evaluate the one-year evolution of web-based information on alcohol dependence, we re-assessed alcohol-related sites in July 2007 with the same evaluating tool that had been used to assess these sites in June 2006. Websites were assessed with a standardized form designed to rate sites on the basis of accountability, presentation, interactivity, readability, and content quality. The DISCERN scale was also used, which aimed to assist persons without content expertise in assessing the quality of written health publications. Scores were highly stable for all components of the form one year later (r = .77 to .95, p < .01). Analysis of variance for repeated measures showed no time effect, no interaction between time and scale, no interaction between time and group (affiliation categories), and no interaction between time, group, and scale. The study highlights lack of change of alcohol-dependence-related web pages across one year.
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