Accessibility of web‐based health information for women in midlife from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds or with low health literacy

Abstract

ObjectiveTo measure the accessibility of Australian web‐based health information for midlife women including those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds or with low health literacy. MethodsSearch terms relating to midlife health were entered into Google Australia to identify health information websites. The content of the first two results pages was assessed using the European Commission's quality criteria for health websites. Readability was assessed using the Flesch Readability Ease Score with Grade 8 accepted as the average Australian reading level. ResultsSixteen websites were evaluated. Accessibility scores ranged between 0 and 8. The Victorian Government's health website Better Health Channel and the Jean Hailes for Women's Health website contained the most accessible information, each scoring 8, but were both ‘difficult to read’ on the readability test. Four websites included written resources in languages other than English and two had information in audio‐visual format in languages other than English. ConclusionsThere is a gap in accessible online health information for Australian women from CALD backgrounds or those with low health literacy. Implications for public healthHealthy behaviour changes in midlife may lead to better health in older age. More accessible health information resources are needed for women in midlife from CALD backgrounds and those with low health literacy.