A Web Content Analysis of Saudi Arabia’s Health Education Websites, Promotion, and Physical Activity: A quantitative evaluation of the accuracy, transparency, readability, navigability of the internet-based information and materials about cardiovascular diseases websites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background Inadequate information, education and awareness concerning CVD are the reasons for the limited availability of CVD screening and management resources (WHO, 2021). The ability to access reliable CVD information online can help inform patient decisions regarding treatment and improve early detection rates. It is important to ensure that websites contain valid and reliable information about CVD. Research on the quality of the information provided by CVD websites in Saudi Arabia is limited, which is the research gap this study addresses. Aim To evaluate the accuracy, transparency, readability, and navigability of English-language websites that provide CVD information to patients in Saudi Arabia through quantitative research. Method The research method adopted in this study is a quantitative evaluation of 40 websites obtained from the first three pages of Google, Yahoo, and Bing. This study employed a screening tool as a questionnaire to collect data that was later analysed and presented using tables, charts, and descriptive statistics. Findings The .com domain websites were the most frequent (n=12) (30%) closely followed by those with a. med domain (n=11) (27.5%). Analysis of Accuracy score revealed that (n=26) websites had a score of zero, while (n=9) websites scored 72.72%, (n=1) website scored 31.81%, (n=1) website scored 18.18% and (n=1) website scored 4.54%, (n=2) websites scored 36.36%. Overall, 70% (n=28) of sample websites indicated transparency greater than 70%. All 40 websites analysed were found to have good navigability in finding information related to CVD. The readability results highlight the average text level of the sampled websites is “easy”. Conclusion and Recommendation The study showed fluctuating levels of accuracy, transparency, readability, and navigability among the sample websites. Health professionals should have visibility into the latest websites with the highest standards to ensure patient decisions will be more informed and improved overall outcomes. This research also provided information that can be utilised to guide policymakers and stakeholders in Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategic development plan.