Health Advice from Internet Discussion Forums: How Bad Is Dangerous?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Concerns over online health information-seeking behavior point to the potential harm incorrect, incomplete, or biased information may cause. However, systematic reviews of health information have found few examples of documented harm that can be directly attributed to poor quality information found online.

Objective

The aim of this study was to improve our understanding of the quality and quality characteristics of information found in online discussion forum websites so that their likely value as a peer-to-peer health information-sharing platform could be assessed.

Methods

A total of 25 health discussion threads were selected across 3 websites (Reddit, Mumsnet, and Patient) covering 3 health conditions (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], diabetes, and chi

SUBMITTER: Cole J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4720952 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature