Readability and Usability of Websites Providing Information on Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted with a descriptive design to evaluate the readability and usability of websites providing information about schizophrenia. Method: The search was conducted in the Google search engine using the keyword “schizophrenia” in January 2024. Forty-one websites that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The readability of the websites was evaluated with the “Ateşman Readability Index” and the usability with the “System Usability Scale.” Results: The source of more than half of the websites (65.9%) was hospitals and similar health institutions. The readability score of the websites was 51.82±6.84, and the education level corresponding to this score is 11-12th grade. The usability score of the websites was 94.63±9.09. Conclusion: The study results revealed that websites sharing information about schizophrenia are moderately readable and usable. Considering that an increase in the readability level of websites may lead to health inequalities by limiting access to health information and participation in decision-making processes, it is recommended that healthcare professionals pay attention to word count and sentence length in the texts they prepare for websites, avoid the use of medical jargon, and that site administrators design platforms that allow for user feedback.