Analysis of Korean Internet Sites for 'Degenerative Osteoarthritis'

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the quality of the Korean web sites of medical information about degenerative osteoarthritis. METHOD: The search term 'degenerative osteoarthritis' was entered into five popular Korean web search engines. The web sites for the first 20 matches generated by each search engine were grouped by author and evaluated by DISCERN instrument, certification standard of internet health information by Korean Academy of Medical Sciences (KAMS instrument), and guidelines and items for evaluation of internet health information by Chung and Park (Chung & Park Instrument). RESULTS: Of the 100 sites identified, only 44 were unique and included in the analysis. Eight sites were commercial and each 21, 5, 3, 7 sites were authored by physician, public institute, oriental medical doctor and others, respectively. By DISCERN instrument, there was a significant difference in total score, reliability of publication and overall quality rating. By KAMS instrument, there was a significant difference in total score, reliability, and content. By Chung & Park instrument, there was a significant difference in total score, objectivity, accuracy, credibility and authority. CONCLUSION: The quality of degenerative osteorarthritis information on the internet varied greatly. Web sites authored by public institutes and physicians were ranked higher than others.