Typology and credibility of Internet health websites originating from Gulf Cooperation Council countries

ABSTRACT

The quality of information available on health websites in the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] countries has not been comprehensively assessed. From November to December 2012 we retrieved all functional health-related websites [n - 925] originating in GCC countries. Data on authorship, language, date, information content and type of site were recorded. A novel website checklist was developed based on the credibility and trust criteria of the Internet assessment organization Health On the Net Foundation [HON]. Only 5 sites [0.5%] fulfilled all checklist categories. All websites except one were in English or Arabic languages. Only 10.1% of websites posted a privacy policy, 2.7% stated the authorship of information, 51.0% disclosed website ownership, 80.6% provided contact details and 58.5% dated information. Only 1.7% reported their advertising policy and 23.5% revealed sponsorships. GCC health website owners should consider working with the HON or similar organizations to meet internationally recognized credibility criteria