bims-librar Biomed News
on Biomedical librarianship
Issue of 2023–05–07
sixteen papers selected by
Thomas Krichel, Open Library Society
  1. Changing word meanings in biomedical literature reveal pandemics and new technologies.
  2. Are ChatGPT and large language models "the answer" to bringing us closer to systematic review automation?
  3. A Simple Guide to Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
  4. Search Methods for Systematic Reviews and Bibliographic Articles Can Improve: Responsibilities of Authorship Are Vast.
  5. Editorial Commentary: Online Kidney Stone Educational Materials Do Not Meet Recommended Readability.
  6. An Objective Analysis of Quality and Readability of Online Information for Patients seeking Cosmetic Surgery Abroad.
  7. Quality and accuracy of online nutrition-related information: A systematic review of content analysis studies.
  8. The readability of parent information leaflets in paediatric studies.
  9. Readability and Suitability of Online Uveitis Patient Education Materials.
  10. Readability of Online Patient Education Materials for Congenital Hand Differences.
  11. Spanish-language bariatric surgery patient education materials fail to meet healthcare literacy standards of readability.
  12. Assessing the Quality of Online Patient Decision Aids for Urological Conditions.
  13. Quality of Web-Based Patient Information on Robotic Radical Cystectomy Remains Poor: A Standardized Assessment.
  14. Evaluating YouTube as a Source of Education for Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review.
  15. EQIP Quality Assessment of Refractive Surgery Resources on YouTube.
  16. Changes in information-seeking patterns and perception of health crisis management in a year of COVID-19 pandemic: a repeated cross-sectional study.
  1. BioData Min. 2023 May 05. 16(1): 16
    Changing word meanings in biomedical literature reveal pandemics and new technologies.
    David N Nicholson, Faisal Alquaddoomi, Vincent Rubinetti, Casey S Greene.
      While we often think of words as having a fixed meaning that we use to describe a changing world, words are also dynamic and changing. Scientific research can also be remarkably fast-moving, with new concepts or approaches rapidly gaining mind share. We examined scientific writing, both preprint and pre-publication peer-reviewed text, to identify terms that have changed and examine their use. One particular challenge that we faced was that the shift from closed to open access publishing meant that the size of available corpora changed by over an order of magnitude in the last two decades. We developed an approach to evaluate semantic shift by accounting for both intra- and inter-year variability using multiple integrated models. This analysis revealed thousands of change points in both corpora, including for terms such as 'cas9', 'pandemic', and 'sars'. We found that the consistent change-points between pre-publication peer-reviewed and preprinted text are largely related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also created a web app for exploration that allows users to investigate individual terms ( https://greenelab.github.io/word-lapse/ ). To our knowledge, our research is the first to examine semantic shift in biomedical preprints and pre-publication peer-reviewed text, and provides a foundation for future work to understand how terms acquire new meanings and how peer review affects this process.
    Keywords:  Linguistic shift; Novelty; Pandemic; Software
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13040-023-00332-2
  2. Syst Rev. 2023 04 29. 12(1): 72
    Are ChatGPT and large language models "the answer" to bringing us closer to systematic review automation?
    Riaz Qureshi, Daniel Shaughnessy, Kayden A R Gill, Karen A Robinson, Tianjing Li, Eitan Agai.
      In this commentary, we discuss ChatGPT and our perspectives on its utility to systematic reviews (SRs) through the appropriateness and applicability of its responses to SR related prompts. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies leave many wondering about the current capabilities, limitations, and opportunities for integration AI into scientific endeavors. Large language models (LLM)-such as ChatGPT, designed by OpenAI-have recently gained widespread attention with their ability to respond to various prompts in a natural-sounding way. Systematic reviews (SRs) utilize secondary data and often require many months and substantial financial resources to complete, making them attractive grounds for developing AI-assistive technologies. On February 6, 2023, PICO Portal developers hosted a webinar to explore ChatGPT's responses to tasks related to SR methodology. Our experience from exploring the responses of ChatGPT suggest that while ChatGPT and LLMs show some promise for aiding in SR-related tasks, the technology is in its infancy and needs much development for such applications. Furthermore, we advise that great caution should be taken by non-content experts in using these tools due to much of the output appearing, at a high level, to be valid, while much is erroneous and in need of active vetting.
    Keywords:  Artificial intelligence; Large language models; Methodology; Systematic review
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02243-z
  3. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2023 May 01. 15347346231169842
    A Simple Guide to Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
    Chrysanthi Mantsiou, Aris Liakos, Maria Mainou, Nikolaos Papanas, Apostolos Tsapas, Eleni Bekiari.
      Systematic reviews and meta-analyses lie on the top of the evidence hierarchy because they utilize explicit methods for literature search and retrieval of studies relevant to the review question as well as robust methodology for quality assessment of included studies and quantitative synthesis of results. As opposed to narrative reviews which represent the authors' personal judgments, they may be more resource-intensive, but provide an unbiased answer to a specific clinical query. Clinical guidelines are usually supported by such evidence syntheses. Therefore, it is important that healthcare practitioners become competent in understanding and applying systematic review findings. This simple guide outlines the key principles regarding the design, conduct and interpretation of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
    Keywords:  evidence synthesis; meta-analysis; systematic review
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/15347346231169842
  4. Arthroscopy. 2023 Jun;pii: S0749-8063(22)00841-6. [Epub ahead of print]39(6): 1367-1368
    Search Methods for Systematic Reviews and Bibliographic Articles Can Improve: Responsibilities of Authorship Are Vast.
    James H Lubowitz, Jefferson C Brand, Michael J Rossi.
      Certain types of scientific articles, including bibliographic articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, require systematic search of electronic databases. Literature must be searched using clearly specified search terms, dates, and algorithms; article inclusion and exclusion criteria; and explicitly named databases. Search methods must be described in detail to allow reproducibility. In addition, responsibilities of all authors include contributing to study conception, design, data acquisition, analysis or interpretation; drafting or critically revising the work; approving the final version to be published; being accountable for the accuracy and integrity; being available to respond to queries including after publication; being able to identify which co-authors are responsible for which parts; and maintaining primary data and underpinning analysis for at least 10 years. The responsibilities of authorship are vast.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2022.12.016
  5. Urol Pract. 2021 Jul;8(4): 529
    Editorial Commentary: Online Kidney Stone Educational Materials Do Not Meet Recommended Readability.
      
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000239
  6. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2023 Apr 20. pii: S1748-6815(23)00199-7. [Epub ahead of print]81 88-90
    An Objective Analysis of Quality and Readability of Online Information for Patients seeking Cosmetic Surgery Abroad.
    M E McMahon, K Gressmann, J D Martin-Smith.
      Increasing numbers of patients are travelling abroad to undergo cosmetic surgery. This is associated with complications that often become the responsibility of clinicians in the patients' home countries. While seemingly lower cost treatments abroad may seem attractive, prospective patients should be made aware of the hidden costs of postoperative complications and their associated morbidity. Many internet sources of information regarding these procedures originate from commercial providers in the form of advertisements, which may not highlight the potential complications to prospective patients. Our study aims to perform an objective analysis of the quality and readability of online information for patients seeking cosmetic surgery abroad using tools such as JAMA and DISCERN scores. We found that the majority of online information available to prospective and current patients regarding travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery is unregulated, distributed by commercial providers and often lacking relevant and reliable information. Due to the strong influence that the internet can have on patients' decision making, it is important that reputable, informative online material is circulated regarding these procedures. Further work needs to be done by professional bodies and medical professionals in the plastic surgery community to improve patient education in this area.
    Keywords:  Cosmetic surgery; Cosmetic tourism; Internet; Marketing; Public
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2023.04.051
  7. Public Health Nutr. 2023 May 04. 1-29
    Quality and accuracy of online nutrition-related information: A systematic review of content analysis studies.
    Emily Denniss, Rebecca Lindberg, Sarah McNaughton.
       OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to summarise the level of quality and accuracy of nutrition-related information on websites and social media and determine if quality and accuracy varied between websites and social media or publishers of information.
    DESIGN: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021224277). CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and Academic Search Complete were systematically searched on 15 January 2021 to identify content analysis studies, published in English after 1989, that evaluated the quality and/or accuracy of nutrition-related information published on websites or social media. A coding framework was used to classify studies' findings about information quality and/or accuracy as poor, good, moderate, or varied. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist was used to assess risk of bias.
    SETTING: N/A.
    PARTICIPANTS: N/A.
    RESULTS: From 10,482 articles retrieved, 64 were included. Most studies evaluated information from websites (n=53, 82.8%). Similar numbers of studies assessed quality (n=41, 64.1%) and accuracy (n=47, 73.4%). Almost half of the studies reported that quality (n=20, 48.8%) or accuracy (n = 23, 48.9%) was low. Quality and accuracy of information was similar on social media and websites, however, varied between information publishers. High risk of bias in sample selection and quality or accuracy evaluations was a common limitation.
    CONCLUSION: Online nutrition-related information is often inaccurate and of low-quality. Consumers seeking information online are at risk of being misinformed. More action is needed to improve the public's eHealth and media literacy and the reliability of online nutrition-related information.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980023000873
  8. Pediatr Res. 2023 Apr 29.
    The readability of parent information leaflets in paediatric studies.
    Elizabeth Nash, Matthew Bickerstaff, Andrew J Chetwynd, Daniel B Hawcutt, Louise Oni.
       BACKGROUND: Poor literacy can impact achieving optimal health outcomes. The aim of this project was to assess the readability of parent information leaflets (PILs).
    METHODS: A single-centre study using paediatric PILs. Five readability tests were applied (Gunning Fog Index (GFI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Coleman-Liau Index (CLI) and Automated Readability Index (ARI)). Results were compared to standards and by subtype.
    RESULTS: A total of 109 PILs were obtained; mean (±SD) number of characters was 14,365 (±12,055), total words 3066 (±2541), number of sentences 153 (±112), lexical density 49 (±3), number of characters per word 4.7 (±0.1), number of syllables per word 1.6 (±0.1) and number of words per sentence 19.1 (±2.5). The Flesch reading ease score was 51.1 (±5.6), equating to reading age 16-17 years. The mean PIL readability scores were GFI (12.18), SMOG (11.94), FKGL (10.89), CLI (10.08) and ARI (10.1). There were 0 (0%) PILs classed as easy (score <6), 21 (19%) mid-range (6-10) and 88 (81%) were difficult (>10). They were significantly above the recommended reading age (p < 0.0001) and commercial studies were least accessible (p < 0.01).
    CONCLUSION: Existing PILs are above the national reading level. Researchers should use readability tools to ensure that they are accessible.
    IMPACT: Poor literacy is a barrier to accessing research and achieving good health outcomes. Current parent information leaflets are pitched far higher than the national reading age. This study provides data to demonstrate the reading age of a large portfolio of research studies. This work raises awareness of literacy as a barrier to research participation and provides tips on how to improve the readability of patient information leaflets to guide investigators.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-023-02608-z
  9. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2023 May 05. 1-5
    Readability and Suitability of Online Uveitis Patient Education Materials.
    Saima Khan, Jared Moon, Cole A Martin, Eileen Bowden, Judy Chen, Edmund Tsui, Eric Crowell.
       PURPOSE: This study assesses readability, suitability, and accountability of online uveitis patient education materials (PEMs).
    METHODS: Two uveitis specialists reviewed the top 10 websites on Google for keyword "uveitis," with a PubMed review control. Readability was assessed using an online calculator, suitability using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) tool, and accountability using JAMA benchmarks.
    RESULTS: The mean SAM score was 21.05, indicating that websites were on average adequately suitable to educate patients. WebMD Uveitis website scored the highest at 25.5, while allaboutvision.org scored the lowest at 18.0. The average Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score was 44.0 (95% CI: 34.2, 53.8). The average reading grade score was 11.0 (95% CI: 9.4, 12.6). WebMD Uveitis page scored highest on readability. The average accountability score among sites was 2.36 out of 4.
    CONCLUSIONS: Uveitis websites are only adequately suitable as PEMs, and all are above the recommended reading level. Uveitis specialists should advise patients on quality of online PEMs.
    Keywords:  Uveitis; patient education; readability; uveitis education
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/09273948.2023.2203759
  10. Hand (N Y). 2023 May 02. 15589447231168907
    Readability of Online Patient Education Materials for Congenital Hand Differences.
    Alexander J Baldwin.
       BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to assess the readability of online patient education materials (PEMs) for congenital hand differences.
    METHODS: The top 10 online, English-language PEMs for 10 conditions (polydactyly, syndactyly, trigger finger/thumb, clinodactyly, camptodactyly, symbrachydactyly, thumb hypoplasia, radial dysplasia, reduction defect, and amniotic band syndrome) were compiled and categorized by source and country. Readability was assessed using 5 tools: Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog Index (GFI), Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index (SMOG). To account for the potential effect of each condition's name in the aforementioned formulas, the analysis was repeated after replacing the name with a monosyllabic word/s.
    RESULTS: The mean readability scores of the 100 PEMs were FRES 56.3, where the target was ≥80, FKGL 8.8, GFI 11.5, CLI 10.9, and SMOG 8.6, and the median grade score was 9.8, where the target grade was ≤6.9. Following adjustment, all readability scores improved significantly (P < .001). Postadjustment scores were FRES 63.8, FKGL 7.8, GFI 10.7, CLI 9.1, and SMOG 8.0, and the median grade score was 8.6. Only 1 webpage met the target level using all tools. Two-sample t test for country of publication (the United States and the United Kingdom) demonstrated that PEMs originating from the United Kingdom were easier to read using the preadjustment CLI (P = .009) and median grade metrics (P = .048). A 1-way analysis of variance revealed no influence of condition or source on readability.
    CONCLUSION: Most online PEMs for congenital hand differences are written above the recommended reading level of sixth grade, even when adjusted for the effect of the condition's name.
    Keywords:  congenital hand differences; health literacy; internet; orthopedics; patient education; pediatrics; plastic surgery; readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1177/15589447231168907
  11. Surg Endosc. 2023 May 02.
    Spanish-language bariatric surgery patient education materials fail to meet healthcare literacy standards of readability.
    George Padilla, Sabrina Awshah, Rahul S Mhaskar, Abdul-Rahman Fadi Diab, Joseph A Sujka, Christopher DuCoin, Salvatore Docimo.
       BACKGROUND: The Hispanic population is the fastest growing ethnic minority in the United States, contributing to nearly half of the population growth over the last decade. Unfortunately, this population suffers from lower-than-average health literacy rates, leading to poorer health outcomes. Per the American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health, patient education materials (PEMs) should be written at no higher than a 6th grade reading level. Given that US Hispanic adults have the second-highest obesity prevalence, this study aims to analyze the readability of Spanish-language PEMs regarding bariatric surgery available in US-based academic and medical centers.
    METHODS: A total of 50 PEMs were found via the query ""cirugía de pérdida de peso" site: (edu OR.org)" on the Google search engine. Thirty-nine sources met the inclusion criteria of belonging to a US-based academic or medical center and containing information regarding the indications for bariatric surgery, descriptions of the types of bariatric surgery, what to expect before and after surgery, or the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery. The excerpts were analyzed according to three readability formulas designed specifically for the Spanish language and evaluated for their reading grade level.
    RESULTS: All 39 sources were at the college reading level per the Fry graph corrected for Spanish. Per the Spaulding formula, 37 sources were "Grade 12 + " and two sources were "Grade 8-10." Per the Fernandez-Huerta formula, 16 sources were at the 8th/9th grade reading level, 22 sources were at the 7th grade reading level, and one was at the 6th grade reading level.
    CONCLUSION: The Spanish-language bariatric surgery PEMs available online from US-based academic and medical centers are generally above the recommended 6th grade reading level. Failure to meet the recommended sixth-grade reading level decreases health care literacy for Spanish-speaking patients within the United States seeking bariatric surgery.
    Keywords:  Bariatric surgery; Health literacy; Hispanic; Patient education; Readability; Spanish
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-023-10088-9
  12. Urol Pract. 2021 Nov;8(6): 692-698
    Assessing the Quality of Online Patient Decision Aids for Urological Conditions.
    Seongjoon Pyun, Rena Deep Malik.
       INTRODUCTION: A growing number of patients use online patient decision aids (PtDAs) due to their easy accessibility. However, PtDAs found on the internet are not regulated and vary in quality and readability. The aim of this study is to assess urological PtDAs for their readability, quality as consumer health information and quality as decision aid.
    METHODS: Searches were conducted on Google, PubMed®, Embase® and decision aid repositories for patient decision aids on pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia and overactive bladder. The decision aids were screened for relevance and patient directed nature. They were then evaluated using 4 readability formulas, the validated DISCERN quality criteria and the International Patient Decision Aids Standards v4.0 minimum standards criteria.
    RESULTS: Our search revealed 23 patient decision aids, of which 14 were ultimately included for analysis. The mean grade level readability score calculated by the 4 readability formulas was 11, far exceeding the 6th grade reading level recommended by the National Institutes of Health. The average DISCERN score was 57.6 (SD 6.7), which indicates "good" quality as online health information. The average International Patient Decision Aids Standards v4.0 minimum standards criteria score was 8.3 (SD 1.5), with none meeting all 12 minimum requirements of a patient decision aid.
    CONCLUSIONS: Online patient decision aids for pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia and overactive bladder require a higher reading level than recommended by the National Institutes of Health. While decision aids are acceptable as online health information, none meets all 12 international standards for patient decision aids.
    Keywords:  comprehension; consumer health information; decision aids; decision support techniques; readability
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000262
  13. Urol Pract. 2022 Sep;9(5): 498-503
    Quality of Web-Based Patient Information on Robotic Radical Cystectomy Remains Poor: A Standardized Assessment.
    Savio Domenico Pandolfo, Achille Aveta, Davide Loizzo, Fabio Crocerossa, Roberto La Rocca, Francesco Del Giudice, Benjamin I Chung, Zhenjie Wu, Giuseppe Lucarelli, Vincenzo Mirone, Ciro Imbimbo, Riccardo Autorino.
       INTRODUCTION: Patients frequently use the Web to obtain health information. This trend increased during the COVID19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the quality of Web-based information on robot-assisted radical cystectomy.
    METHODS: A Web search was conducted in November 2021 using the 3 most common engines (Google/Bing/Yahoo). Search terms were "robotic cystectomy," "robot-assisted cystectomy," and "robotic radical cystectomy." The top 25 results generated for each term by each search engine were included. Duplicate pages, pages advertised, and pages with paywall access were excluded. Selected websites were classified as academic, physician, commercial, and unspecified. The quality of site contents was evaluated using the DISCERN and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) assessment instruments, and HONcode (Health on the Net Foundation) seal and reference presence. Flesch Reading Ease Score was used for readability assessment.
    RESULTS: Of the 225 sites examined only 34 were eligible for analysis, including 35.3% classified as "academic," 44.1% "physician," 11.8% "commercial," and 8.8% "unspecified." Average±SD DISCERN and JAMA scores were 45.5±15.7 and 1.9±1.1, respectively. Commercial websites had the highest DISCERN and JAMA scores with a mean±SD of 64.7±8.7 and 3.6±0.5, respectively. Physician websites had a significantly lower JAMA mean score than commercial ones (p <0.001). Six websites had HONcode seals and 10 reported references. Readability was difficult as it was at the level of college graduate.
    CONCLUSIONS: As the role of robot-assisted radical cystectomy continues to grow worldwide, the overall quality of Web-based information related to this procedure remains poor. An effort should be made by health care providers to assure patients can have better access to reliable and readable informational material.
    Keywords:  Internet; cystectomy; patient navigation; robotics; urinary bladder neoplasms
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000335
  14. Ann Surg. 2023 May 05.
    Evaluating YouTube as a Source of Education for Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review.
    Arshia Javidan, Matthew W Nelms, Allen Li, Yung Lee, Fangwen Zhou, Ahmed Kayssi, Faysal Naji.
       OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to characterize the peer-reviewed literature investigating YouTube as a source of patient education for patients undergoing surgery.
    SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: YouTube is the largest online video sharing platform and has become a substantial source of health information that patients are likely to access before surgery, yet there has been no systematic assessment of peer-reviewed studies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Ovid HealthStar from inception through to December of 2021.
    METHODS: All primary studies evaluating YouTube as a source of patient education relating to surgical procedures (general, cardiac, urology, otolaryngology, plastic, vascular) were included. Study screening and data extraction occurred in duplicate with two reviewers. Characteristics including video length, view count, upload source, overall video educational quality, quality of individual studies.
    RESULTS: Among 6,453 citations, 56 studies were identified that examined 6,797 videos with 547 hours of content and 1.39 billion views. There were 49 studies that evaluated the educational quality of the videos, 43 quality assessment tools were used, with each study using a mean of 1.88 assessment tools. Per the global rating for assessments, 34/49 studies (69%) concluded that the overall quality of educational content was poor.
    CONCLUSIONS: While the impact of non-peer-reviewed YouTube videos on patient knowledge for surgery is unclear, the large amount of online content suggests that they are in demand. The overall educational content of these videos is poor, however, and there is substantial heterogeneity in the quality assessment tools used in their evaluation. A peer-reviewed and standardized approach to online education with video content is needed to better support patients.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0000000000005892
  15. Semin Ophthalmol. 2023 May 03. 1-5
    EQIP Quality Assessment of Refractive Surgery Resources on YouTube.
    Rita Vought, Victoria Vought, Isabel Herzog, Steven A Greenstein.
       PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of EQIP as a novel tool for determining the quality of patient information on YouTube regarding refractive eye surgery.
    METHODS: Three searches were conducted on YouTube using "PRK eye surgery", "LASIK eye surgery", and "SMILE eye surgery". 110 relevant videos were evaluated using the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) criteria.
    RESULTS: The average EQIP score was 15.1 (moderate quality). On average, physician-authored videos scored significantly higher on questions 17 (p = .01), 18 (p = .001), 26 (p = .008), relating to author transparency and use of graphs/figures. Patient-authored videos scored significantly higher on questions 8 (p < .001), 9 (p < .001), 12 (p = .008), 16 (p = .02), and 21 (p = .0350). These questions addressed risks/benefits, quality of life and alert signs, date and video revisions, and personally addressing viewers.
    CONCLUSION: EQIP was useful in identifying specific strengths and deficits in online refractive surgery patient education resources that were not evident from other screening tools. The quality of information on YouTube videos on refractive surgeries is average. Physician-authored videos could be improved by clarifying risks and quality of life issues. Quality evaluation of medical information is important for comprehensive online surgical education.
    Keywords:  LASIK; PRK; SMILE; patient education; refractive surgery
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/08820538.2023.2209168
  16. Croat Med J. 2023 Apr 30. 64(2): 93-102
    Changes in information-seeking patterns and perception of health crisis management in a year of COVID-19 pandemic: a repeated cross-sectional study.
    Aleksandra Banić, Damir Sapunar, Ivan Buljan.
       AIM: To assess the changes in the health information search patterns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of this information in Croatia.
    METHODS: This repeated cross-sectional study was based on an online survey among adults in Croatia from June 5 to July 5 2020 and from May 25 to June 15 2021. The survey inquired about demographic characteristics, health information search patterns, and emotional reactions to health information. The differences between the year 2020 and the year 2021 were assessed.
    RESULTS: The survey was completed by 569 respondents (median age 38.5 years) in 2020 and by 598 respondents (median age 40 years) in 2021. In 2020, institutional governmental bodies were perceived to be a reliable source of information, but this perception declined in 2021. Whereas in 2020 TV was the most used source of health-related information, online media prevailed in 2021. After one year of the pandemic, respondents attributed significantly greater importance to the reliability of the information obtained from different sources.
    CONCLUSION: Our results may be valuable in designing public health communication strategies and campaigns, in selecting communication channels and sources, and in tailoring health information according to the characteristics and habits of the studied population.
This page is being maintained by Thomas Krichel. It was last updated on 2024‒11‒22 at 4:18.