Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
14:43
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
12.5K
Variation in Quality of Women's Health Topic Information from Systematic Internet Searches
Bianca Kyrie Wanamaker1, Ashley N Tomlinson1, Alivia R Abernathy1
1Biology Department, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801, USA.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 16, 2025
Summary
Online health information quality varies significantly across women's health topics. Pregnancy and sleep information scored highest, while cortisol and weight information showed the most variation, necessitating critical evaluation of internet health resources.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Women's Health
- Information Science
Background:
- The internet is a primary source for health information, bypassing traditional medical consultations.
- Women's health topics, often culturally sensitive, may see increased reliance on online searches.
- Evaluating the quality of online women's health information is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality of online information for 12 non-cancer women's health topics.
- To determine if information quality varies significantly among these topics.
- To identify topics with the highest and lowest information quality scores and score variations.
Main Methods:
- A scoring metric based on quantifiable webpage attributes was developed.
- Systematic Google searches were conducted for 12 women's health topics.
- Data were analyzed using a Bayesian framework.
Main Results:
- Mean information quality scores correlated significantly with the number of cited sources.
- "Pregnancy" and "sleep" topics yielded the highest scores and most cited sources.
- "Cortisol" and "weight" topics exhibited the greatest variation in information quality scores.
Conclusions:
- Systematic searches reveal significant variability in online women's health information quality.
- Users must critically evaluate internet health information, especially for topics like "cortisol" and "weight".
- Future research should involve medical professionals to bridge patient knowledge gaps and validate online information.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Systematic Error: Methodological and Sampling Errors
8.7K
In the case of systematic errors, the sources can be identified, and the errors can be subsequently minimized by addressing these sources. According to the source, systematic errors can be divided into sampling, instrumental, methodological, and personal errors.
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
8.7K
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
3.8K
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
3.8K
01:26Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
14.2K
Health promotion allows a person to control the determinants of health, resulting in an improved health status. It enhances the quality of life and reduces premature deaths. Health promotion and illness prevention programs help people make beneficial choices to reduce the risk of disease and disabilities. There are three health promotion and illness prevention levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
14.2K
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
3.3K
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
3.3K
01:26Traditional Level Of Health Care System
3.3K
The levels of care describe the services provided in the healthcare system. Accordingly, there are six levels of the traditional healthcare system in the US: preventive, primary, secondary, tertiary, restorative, and continuing healthcare. A nurse must understand how the healthcare industry organizes and provides services within these levels of care.
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
3.3K
01:21Health Literacy
5.2K
Health literacy is an individual's or a community's capacity to comprehend, receive, read, and use relevant healthcare information and services. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2018) defines health literacy as the cognitive and social skills that determine the ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health. As a result, the WHO helps individuals manage long-term health concerns, participate in preventative...
5.2K