Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Quality and Readability of Google Search Information on HoLEP for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Yam Ting Ho
* ,
Jeremy Saad
,
Femi E Ayeni
ORCID logo ,
Mohan Arianayagam
,
Bertram Canagasingham
,
Ahmed Goolam
,
Nicola Jeffrey
,
Mohamed Khadra
,
Raymond Ko
,
Nicholas Mehan
,
Sachinka Ranasinghe
,
Celi Varol
,
Jonathan Kam
,
Isaac A Thangasamy
Version 1 : Received: 3 March 2024 / Approved: 6 March 2024 / Online: 6 March 2024 (04:50:41 CET)

How to cite: Ho, Y.T.; Saad, J.; Ayeni, F.E.; Arianayagam, M.; Canagasingham, B.; Goolam, A.; Jeffrey, N.; Khadra, M.; Ko, R.; Mehan, N.; Ranasinghe, S.; Varol, C.; Kam, J.; Thangasamy, I.A. Quality and Readability of Google Search Information on HoLEP for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. Preprints 2024, 2024030321. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0321.v1 Ho, Y.T.; Saad, J.; Ayeni, F.E.; Arianayagam, M.; Canagasingham, B.; Goolam, A.; Jeffrey, N.; Khadra, M.; Ko, R.; Mehan, N.; Ranasinghe, S.; Varol, C.; Kam, J.; Thangasamy, I.A. Quality and Readability of Google Search Information on HoLEP for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. Preprints 2024, 2024030321. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0321.v1

Abstract

Objective To assess the quality and readability of online information on holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in management of benign prostate hyperplasia using the most used search engine worldwide, google. Methods The google search term “Holmium laser surgery” and “enlarged prostate” was used and the initial 150 webpages were reviewed. Webpages that were paywall, scientific literature, and/or promoted advertisements were excluded. Quality assessment tools - DISCERN, QUEST, and JAMA criteria were used, while readability tools like FKG, GFI, SMOG, and FRE score were used. Two authors independently reviewed the included sites for further analysis; for any discrepancy, a third author would be involved. Results 107 webpages were included in the data analysis. The median DISCERN score was 42 out of 80 (IQR 35-49). The median JAMA score was 0 out of 4 (IQR 0-1). The median QUEST score was 9 out of 28 (IQR 9-12). Using the non-parametric ANOVA and post-hoc test, significant differences were identified between rankings of webpages. Sponsorship had no influence on quality of webpages. Overall readability level required a minimum reading level of grade 11. Linear regression analysis showed a higher rank webpage is a positive predictor for all three quality assessment tools. Conclusion The overall quality of online information regarding HoLEP is poor. We identify that top ranked google searches have a higher DISCERN score and is a positive predictor for DISCERN/QUEST/JAMA. Quality online information can be used to benefit patients but should be used in conjunction with consultation from a medical professional.

Keywords

Urological surgical procedures; Prostatectomy; Transurethral resection of prostate; Prostatic hyperplasia; Consumer health information, Health literacy; Health education

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Urology and Nephrology

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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