The QWEB tool: evaluation sheet for the quality of nutrition articles on the World Wide Web

Peer-reviewed / Manuscript (original contribution) received: April 08, 2018 / Revision accepted: September 13, 2018

Using the example of articles on the effect of coconut oil for weight loss

Introduction

These days the internet is indispensable when it comes to obtaining information fast and free of charge [1]. Health information is one of the three most common topics for online research. For this reason most people use search engines like Google or Yahoo, which do not work on a scientific basis and which display both commercial and independent websites [2, 3].

Since anyone can publish unchecked content online, searchers must be able to evaluate the quality of the information themselves [4–6]. However, almost 50% of Europeans have an inadequate level of health competence (health literacy), which presumably also extends to their online health competence (eHealth literacy) [7]. This means that most laypersons lack basic knowledge on how to assess the quality of internet articles [6].

Often, they judge the reliability of articles solely by the appearance of the website rather than by formal criteria [8]. Frequently, information is accepted without reflection and recommendations are implemented without prior discussion with practitioners [9]. A Canadian study showed that most incorrect advice was given on commercial websites (relating to Canadian nutritional recommendations) and usually claims were made without citing sources [10].

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges laypersons face when looking for reliable health information is the lack of knowledge on the quality criteria of articles. Nutrition experts should find out which popular science topics people come across online. Hence, it is important to take a systematic approach and imitate the search behavior of laypersons. The free QWEB tool for experts is a guideline to enable specific and structured analysis of the quality criteria of web articles. The sample research and analysis of articles on “coconut oil for weight loss” illustrates that most websites found by laypersons are unsuitable to provide adequate information. Just one out of 25 articles was recommendable. The median of possible points across all categories was 44.2%, in the category “Content” it was 36.7% and in “Transparency” it was 13.3%. The median value was highest in the category “Independence” at 60%.

Keywords: web-based content, online nutritional information, online health information, evaluation tool, QWEB tool, online health literacy

Full text PDF (free access)

Here you find the evaluation sheet for the quality of nutrition articles on the World Wide Web (in german)