Quality Assessment of Online Arabic Information on Head and Neck Cancer: An Infodemiological Study

IntroductionLittle is known about the quality of Arabic health information available online, particularly regarding information on head and neck cancer. This study evaluated the quality of web-based Arabic information on head and neck cancer and its treatment.MethodsEleven Arabic keywords were used to search for the content using Google (Google.com). The quality of written material was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT)-P and four JAMA Quality Benchmarks (authorship, attributions, disclosure, and currency), whereas the quality of audiovisual (AV) material was assessed using the PEMAT-A/V tool.ResultsA total of 315 websites were analyzed, of which 17 and 298 contained AV and written materials, respectively. Among these, 198 sites were sourced from scientific outlets, such as Medscape, whereas 117 originated from layperson platforms, such as news articles and blogs. The mean PEMAT scores for understandability and actionability were 61% (± 16.03) and 17% (± 24.89), respectively. The average overall PEMAT score was as low as 49% (± 15.55). Additionally, the included websites did not meet the JAMA benchmarks, with an average overall rating of 1.11 (± 0.94) on a total score of 4. Of the websites, none achieved all benchmarks, and 23 achieved three (7%).ConclusionNotably poor-quality Arabic information on head and neck cancers online was observed, with questionable actionability, understandability, and veracity of sources for the presented information. Clinicians and healthcare policymakers should consider creating accessible, evidence-based, up-to-date web content on head and neck cancers tailored to patients' needs and wishes.