Abstract:

Objective: The aim is to evaluate the content and quality of the most frequently accessed websites for information on the internet about the commonly observed orthopedic problem of hallux valgus. Methods: The keywords hallux valgus and hallux valgus treatments were screened in internet (www.google.com.tr). In each search, the first 30 sites listed were investigated. The repeated and advertising sites were eliminated. A total of 43 websites were evaluated. Internet websites were classified into 4 categories of doctor websites, news websites, health-related sites and unclassified. Firstly, content evaluation of the sites used the previously prepared questions and gave points out of 20. Later, the discern evaluation system was used for general assessment. Results: When the information accuracy of the 43 websites included in the investigation was evaluated, mean points from the 20-question survey were determined to be 9.3 [minimum: 2, maximum: 18, standard deviation (SD): 3.8]. The most accurate information appeared to be under the headings of definition of hallux valgus (97.7%), reasons for the formation (76.7%), predisposing situations (88.4%) and use of orthotic devices (83.7%). According to the discern evaluation table, doctor websites (mean: 11, SD: 4.9) received the highest points, while sites with undetermined references received the lowest points (mean: 6.0, SD: 1.7). Conclusion: Information obtained from the internet about health is stated to be insufficient in the literature, as in our study. Considering that websites offering insufficient or erroneous information cannot be prevented, we believe that it is necessary to branch organizations and health institutions to perform studies to close the gap in this area.

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