bims-librar 2018-06-24 papers

Issue of 2018‒06‒24
three papers selected by
Thomas Krichel
Open Library Society

Oral Oncol. 2018 Jul;pii: S1368-8375(18)30187-8. [Epub ahead of print]82 69-74

Web-based information on oral dysplasia and precancer of the mouth - Quality and readability.

Abdullah Alsoghier, Richeal Ni Riordain, Stefano Fedele, Stephen Porter.

OBJECTIVES: The numbers of individuals with oral cancer are increasing. This cancer is preceded by oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). There remains no detailed study of the online information presently available for patients with OED or indeed what information such patients may require to be appropriately informed regarding their condition. Hence, the aim of the present study is to assess the patient-oriented web content with respect to OED.METHODS: The first 100 websites yielded from nine searches performed using different search terms and engines were considered. These were assessed for content, quality (DISCERN instrument, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmarks, and Health on Net seal) and readability (Flesch Reading Ease Score and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level).
RESULTS: There was a general scarcity of OED content across the identified websites. Information about authors, sources used to compile the publication, treatment, and shared decision were limited or absent. Only 6% and 27% of the websites achieved all the four JAMA benchmarks and HON seal, respectively. The average readability level was at 10th grade (US schools), which far exceeds the recommended levels of written health information.
CONCLUSION: At present patients seeking information on OED are likely to have difficulty in finding reliable information from the Web about this disorder and its possible impact upon their life. Further work is thus required to develop a web-based resource regarding OED that addresses the shortfalls demonstrated by the current study.

Keywords: Chronic disease; Head and neck neoplasms; Health education; Health literacy; Information seeking behaviour; Internet; Leukoplakia, Oral; Mouth neoplasms; Needs assessment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2018.05.003

Ups J Med Sci. 2018 Jun 18. 1-7

Development of an evidence-based website on preconception health.

Maria Ekstrand Ragnar, Jenny Niemeyer Hultstrand, Tanja Tydén, Margareta Larsson.

INTRODUCTION: Many women and men lack knowledge about fertility, including timing of the fertile window, age-related decline, and lifestyle factors that may impair fertility. The Internet has become an important source of information, but evidence-based information on fertility and reproduction in Swedish on the Internet is limited. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an evidence-based fertility awareness website, 'reproduktivlivsplan.se', to increase awareness of fertility and provide guidance for improved preconception health and care among individuals and healthcare providers.METHODS: The website's content, design, and layout were evaluated qualitatively among a total of 20 nursing students. An expert group of researchers also provided feedback on the content. Finally, healthcare providers (n = 24) answered a questionnaire covering attitudes and views on the Reproductive Life Plan website as a tool for counselling.
RESULTS: The developing process resulted in a mobile-friendly website, 'reproduktivlivsplan.se' (in English: Reproductive Life Plan). The website, including the content and layout, was positively evaluated by most participants and was amended according to suggested improvements. Uppsala University was found to be a trustworthy source.
CONCLUSION: The evidence-based website 'reproduktivlivsplan.se' was well received among users and healthcare providers and may provide guidance for improved preconception health and care if it becomes well known and frequently used.

Keywords: Fertility awareness; health behaviour; internet-based information; preconception health; reproductive life plan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03009734.2018.1476423

Med Teach. 2018 Jun 17. 1-5

The impact of WhatsApp use on academic achievement among Saudi medical students.

Ahmed Mohammed Alkhalaf, Ara Tekian, Yoon Soo Park.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between WhatsApp on academic performance among Saudi medical school students at the University of AlBaha and the University of Dammam.METHODS: A total of 160 students (79 students from AlBaha medical school and 81 students from Dammam medical school) with smartphones were surveyed on their use of social media services and their academic performance (October-December 2015). A Likert scale consisting of 14 items was used to measure the use of WhatsApp and its relationship with academic achievement. Factor analysis of the self-report data of the social media addiction items was conducted. Pearson's correlations were examined to determine the relationship of WhatsApp use with academic achievement and symptoms of addiction.
RESULTS: Nearly 99% of participants reported using WhatsApp (over 53% use for academic activities). There was no significant association between GPA and students who use WhatsApp. However, the time spent on WhatsApp usage was directly proportional to the symptoms of addiction.
CONCLUSIONS: WhatsApp usage showed no relationship with the academic performance among Saudi medical students in both the universities. However, the usage of WhatsApp could be cautioned to minimize the social media addiction on various aspects of life.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2018.1464652