Content and design evaluation of Persian web sources related to oral health

Abstract

Aims: Today, obtaining information through the internet and internet-based teaching has become very popular in all fields of science including health and dentistry. Due to the widespread use of these sites, the accuracy of such information is vital. Content evaluation and technical accessibility of these sites have been investigated in many studies. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the oral health information available on Persian web sources. Materials and Methods: Persian keywords related to dentistry were searched in different search motors and related websites were identified. A validated checklist designed in two parts and fifty items was used for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation and the design and accessibility of the web source. Data were analyzed descriptively using MS Excel software. Results: Overall, 38 Persian web sources related to oral health and dentistry were verified. Among them, ten did not have accessible information and therefore were excluded. The remaining 28 were analyzed. Dental caries, nutrition and oral health, and information on gingival tissue, respectively, composed 75%, 78.6%, and 67.9% of the available content. Technical properties related to design interface showed a help menu in 82.1% of cases. Conclusion: Overall, many dentistry and oral health weblogs and websites were defected, incomplete and not thrust worthy. Due to the excessive use of such websites, this could be a serious warning for the dental society. Delivery of more accurate information by scientific associations is recommended.