What the study found
Current online health information on osteoporosis often failed to meet basic standards for evidence-based health information. The average quality scores were low for diagnostics, treatment, and prevention information.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say that accurate online health information is critical for informed decision-making about osteoporosis, a disease with multiple causes and treatments. They conclude that improving the quality of these resources is important as people increasingly use online health information.
What the researchers tested
The researchers did a descriptive cross-sectional study of German- and English-language websites found through Google searches for "osteoporosis" and its German translation. They used the validated MAPPinfo checklist to assess whether websites met evidence-based health information criteria, and included sites aimed at laypeople that presented at least two options, including waiting or doing nothing.
What worked and what didn't
A total of 146 websites met the inclusion criteria, including sites from pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, government agencies, specialist organisations, non-profit organisations, patient organisations, health insurances, and other providers. Websites commonly covered diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, but the mean quality scores were 15.3% for diagnostics, 16.7% for treatment, and 17.4% for prevention, indicating low compliance with the criteria.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe specific limitations beyond the study's scope and search strategy. The findings apply to the websites identified in German and English Google searches during the study periods in 2021.
Key points
- The study found that online osteoporosis information often did not meet evidence-based health information standards.
- Mean quality scores were low: 15.3% for diagnostics, 16.7% for treatment, and 17.4% for prevention.
- The researchers reviewed 146 websites in German and English found through Google searches in 2021.
- Websites came from multiple source types, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and specialist organisations.
- The abstract does not describe additional limitations.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Online osteoporosis information often falls short of evidence-based standards
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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