Online Health Information Research Articles

Impact of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 in Tunisia

BackgroundIn COVID-19 management, a variety of pharmaceutical interventions (PI) and non- pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) were adopted to limit the spread of the disease and its associated deaths. We aimed to evaluate the impact of PI and NPI on risks of COVID-19 transmission and deaths.MethodWe collected aggregate data from March 2nd, 2020, to December 1, 2022 from the Tunisian Ministry of Health's website and OurWorldInData.org site. NPI Periods (NPIP: March 2020 to March 2021) and PI Periods (PIP) were distributed to NPIP1, 2, 3 and 4 and to PIP1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. We calculated the Relative Risks (RR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) by comparing the subsequent period with previous one.ResultsThe risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission increased progressively from the zero cases period (NPIP2) to the mitigate strategy period (NPIP3) (RR = 14.0; 95% CI: 12.4–15.8) and to the stop-and-go epidemic control period (NPIP4) (RR = 23.1 (95% CI: 22.4–23.9). It was stabilized in the targeted vaccination period (PIP1) (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.07–1.08) and reduced during the mass vaccination period (PIP2) (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.50–0.51). SARS-CoV-2 transmission, increased during PIP3 concomitant with the Omicron wave (RR = 2.65, 95% CI: 2.64–2.67). It remained at a low level in PIP4 (RR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.18–0.18).Compared to NPIP2, NPIP3 and NPIP4 were associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality (RR = 3.337; 95% CI: 1.797–6.195) and (RR = 72.63 (95% CI: 54.01–97.68), respectively. Since the start of the immunization program, the risk of COVID-19 death has consistently decreased. In comparison to each previous period, the risk transitioned in PIP1 to RR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.88–0.93, then to RR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.83–0.88 in PIP2, to RR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.45–0.50 in PIP3, and to RR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.18–0.24 during PIP4.ConclusionIn terms of lowering the risk of transmission and mortality, the NP strategy at the beginning of the epidemic outperformed the IP strategy during the outbreak.

What do they look for and what do they find? A coproduced qualitative study on young people's experiences of searching for mental health information online.

Many young people (YP) struggle with their mental health and look online for help. To capitalise on their digital presence, we need to better understand how and where they seek information online and what they think of what they find. We recruited 24 YP (aged 13-18 years). Online interviews were co-conducted by research team members and trained young researchers. We presented a persona with depression symptoms and asked about potential sources of information/support they might seek. They were also asked to think aloud while searching online and reviewing mental health resources (NHS, Young Minds). We used reflexive thematic analysis. Analysis generated four themes: (1) the online help-seeking process, showcasing where YP look for information and why; (2) the mismatch between the information YP expected to find and the reality; (3) the strategies YP employed to determine a source's trust and credibility and (4) individual differences that can influence help-seeking. Participants initiated their online search by Googling symptoms. They trusted NHS websites for basic medical information, while charities provided detailed content. Despite scepticism about content, social media offered validation. Online resources should prioritise visual appeal, user-friendliness, age-appropriate and personalised content and peer insights. Codesign is imperative to ensure high-quality, impactful research.

Exploring the digital gray zone of online medicinal markets emerging from search

AbstractThis explorative study investigates the emergence of gray zone markets from search engines amidst the global expansion of online markets. With the analytical approach of infrastructural inversion, we examine how the search infrastructure constructs access to a gray zone market including both authorized online pharmacies and unauthorized vendors. Using Sweden and Google Search as a case, we explore the online presence of three products (vitamin D, paracetamol, and Viagra), through search engine result page analysis, web crawling, and network analysis. Infrastructural inversion unveils the typically invisible mechanisms of search engines, considering user queries, algorithmic priorities, SEO practices, and pharmacy regulations. We find gray zones only emerge in searches for erectile disfunction medicinal products and information, where unauthorized vendors successfully competed for visibility in search engine rankings. A complex web of conditions can steer consumers toward gray zone markets, complicating the access to safe and regulated medicinal products. This can expose individuals to risks associated with unverified medicinal products, but also challenges the integrity of the online health information infrastructure.

Developing a cyberchondria severity scale to promote self-care among university students during COVID-19

Cyberchondria is a hybrid term signifying a state in which individuals compulsively search for health-related information online because of health distress or anxiety, further aggravating their worries. This study develops a Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) to assess the current situation of university students. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted using 145 valid questionnaires. Subsequently, a nationwide survey was conducted at various universities in Taiwan, and 802 questionnaires were used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA led to the development of a CSS for college students with four constructs: increased anxiety (α = 0.91), obsessive-compulsive hypochondria (α = 0.87), perceived controllability (α = 0.88), and online physician-patient interaction (α = 0.86), with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92 and variance of 66.81%. The CFA indicated that item reliability ranged from 0.50 to 0.86, factor loadings ranged from 0.71 to 0.93, and the composite reliability for latent variables ranged from 0.83 to 0.90 (p < .001). The extracted average variance ranged from 0.46 to 0.60. There were significant differences in various dimensions: perceived controllability had the highest score and obsessive-compulsive hypochondria had the lowest (F3,2403=256.26, p < .001). Therefore, CSS has emerged as a reliable and valid measure. Future studies should explore the factors that influence cyberchondria, promote online health information searches, and enhance reading comprehension skills.

Clinical trial knowledge among cancer survivors in the United States: the role of health information technology.

Clinical trials are essential to the advancement of cancer care. However, clinical trial knowledge and participation remain critically low among adult patients with cancer. Health information technology (HIT) could play an important role in improving clinical trial knowledge and engagement among cancer survivors. We used data from 3,794 adults who completed the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey, 626 (16.2%) of whom were cancer survivors. We examined the prevalence of HIT use in the study population and by cancer history using chi-squared tests. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine the impact of HIT use on clinical trial knowledge for cancer survivors and respondents with no cancer history, respectively. Approximately 63.8% of cancer survivors reported having some knowledge of clinical trials. Almost half of the cancer survivors used HIT to communicate with doctors (47.1%) and make health appointments (49.4%), 68.0% used HIT to look up health information online and 42.2% used it to check test results. In the adjusted models, the use of HIT in communicating with doctors [OR 2.79; 95% CI (1.41, 5.54)], looking up health information online [OR 2.84; 95% CI (1.04, 7.77)], and checking test results [OR 2.47; 95% CI (1.12, 5.43)] was associated with having some knowledge of clinical trials. HIT use for engaging with the healthcare team and health information gathering is associated with higher clinical trial knowledge in cancer survivors. Given the rapid increase in mobile technology access globally and the increased use of HIT, digital technology can be leveraged to improve clinical trial knowledge and engagement among cancer survivors.

Online Plain Language Tool and Health Information Quality

Complex and ineffective health communication is a critical source of health inequity and occurs despite repeated policy directives to provide health information that is easy to understand and applies health literacy principles. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Sydney Health Literacy Lab Health Literacy Editor, an easy-to-use online plain language tool that supports health information providers to apply health literacy guidelines to written health information. This randomized clinical trial, conducted online in Australia from May 2023 to February 2024, included a convenience sample of health information providers with no previous experience using the Health Literacy Editor. Analysts were blinded to study group. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group were provided access to the Health Literacy Editor and a 30-minute online training program prior to editing 3 prespecified health texts. The Health Literacy Editor gives objective, real-time feedback on words and sentences. Control participants revised the texts using their own standard health information development processes. The preregistered primary outcome was the text school grade reading score (using a validated instrument, the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook). Secondary outcomes were text complexity (percentage of text using complex language), use of passive voice (number of instances), and subjective expert ratings (5-point Likert scale corresponding to items on the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool). A total of 211 participants were randomized, with 105 in the intervention group and 106 in the control group. Of 181 participants in the intention-to-treat analysis (mean [SD] age, 41.0 [11.6] years; 154 women [85.1%]), 86 were in the intervention group and 95 in the control group. Texts revised in the intervention group had significantly improved grade reading scores (mean difference [MD], 2.48 grades; 95% CI, 1.84-3.12 grades; P < .001; Cohen d, 0.99), lower text complexity scores (MD, 6.86; 95% CI, 4.99-8.74; P < .001; Cohen d, 0.95), and less use of passive voice (MD, 0.95 instances; 95% CI, 0.44-1.47 instances; P < .001; Cohen d, 0.53) compared with texts revised in the control group in intention-to-treat analyses. Experts rated texts in the intervention group more favorably for word choice and style than those in the control group (MD, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25-0.63; P < .001; Cohen d, 0.63), with no loss of meaning or content. In this randomized clinical trial, the Health Literacy Editor helped users simplify health information and apply health literacy guidelines to written text. The findings suggest the tool has high potential to improve development of health information for people who have low health literacy. As an online tool, the Health Literacy Editor is also easy to access and implement at scale. ANZCTR Identifier: ACTRN12623000386639.

Portal Confidentiality Concerns and Health Information Sharing and Access

This survey study evaluated whether concerns about parental access to online health information through patient portals altered the amount of sensitive health information by young adults and the likelihood of opening a portal account.

How college students evaluate the quality of online health information: A qualitative study

How college students evaluate the quality of online health information: A qualitative study

Readability Level of Spanish Language Online Health Information: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Because there is limited online health information in Spanish and it is critical to raise health literacy among Spanish-speaking people, it is essential to assess the readability level of Spanish material. Method: This systematic review included all articles published up to January 3, 2024, and used the CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases. The objective was to include the body of knowledge on published articles on the readability levels of Spanish-language, web-based health information intended for lay audiences. Results: There were 27 articles in the final review. Within these articles, 11 tools were used in the Spanish language text. Of the tools, INFLESZ was the most frequently used and the FRY formula, Flesch-Szigriszt Index, and Flesch Formula Index were least used. Most materials (85.2%) reported readability levels of online Spanish information above the 8th grade reading level. Conclusions: The findings show the lack of internet-based Spanish language health information and materials at a recommended (e.g., 5th to 8th grade) reading level. More research is needed to determine which readability tests are more accurate for calculating the readability of Spanish web health information.

Exploring the use of health information technology in the awareness of genetic testing among individuals with a family history of cancer.

416 Background: Genetic testing plays a critical role in identifying individuals at high risk for certain cancers. Despite its significance, recent studies have demonstrated a lack of genetic testing awareness in the general population. This study aimed to illuminate potential avenues for improving the understanding of cancer genetic testing,specifically the association between health information technology (HIT) use and genetic testing awareness. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzeddata from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Respondents ≥18 years with a family history of cancer were eligible. We excluded respondents without an electronic device or with a prior cancer diagnosis. HIT use (yes vs. no) was defined as having used electronic devices to look up health information, fill prescriptions, schedule medical appointments, or communicate with a health provider. The outcome measure was awareness of cancer genetic testing (yes vs. no). Descriptive statistics was used to compare baseline characteristics by HIT use. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CIs. Results: Among a total of 2,075 respondents, 1,772 (85.4%) used one form of HIT and only 830 (40.0%) were aware of cancer genetic testing. The median age of the study population was 47 years. Patients who used HIT were younger, female, insured, married, had a relatively higher level of education and better access to a primary care provider. On multivariable analysis, overall HIT use was associated with increased awareness of cancer genetic testing, though not statistically significant (AOR 1.76; 95% CI: 0.82, 3.75). Stratifying by subgroups, having used HIT to communicate with doctors (AOR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.05), check test results (AOR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.08), look up health information online (AOR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.51, 1.22), or make health appointments (AOR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.05) was not significantly associated with increased awareness of cancer genetic testing. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of HIT use, with no statistically significant associations with awareness of genetic testing among individuals with a family history of cancer. Findings prompt a reevaluation of other targeted health educational strategies to close the knowledge gap of cancer genetic testing for this high-risk population.

Tibial Plafond Fractures Type C: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation versus External Fixation by Ilizarov: (A Systematic Review)

Abstract Background Tibial Plafond Fractures affect weight-bearing articular surface and comprise &amp;lt; 1% of all lower extremity fractures. Such fractures are due to rotational or axial-loading forces as a result of high-energy trauma. Plafond means ceiling or dome. The Talus has tibial plafond as a dome or ceiling and articulates with the distal tibia with its smooth surface. Rotational force may produce spiral fractures; it may be extra-articular or intra-articular. Usually, rotational forces produce less soft tissue injuries whereas axial compressive forces produce intra-articular fractures with more soft tissue injuries. Aim of the Work to compare open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and external fixation by Ilizarov in patients with pilon fracture type C and to clarify which method is better in terms of reduction and union results and major complications. Patients and Methods After ethical committee approval, this Systematic review was conducted on Patients aged with 18 years or older with tibial plafond fractures of type C according to the AO/OTA classification including Studies and published papers between January 2000 and January 2022. This systematic review was conducted on human subjects in different literatures collected from different medical websites between January 2000 and January 2022 in which we involved clinical and/or functional outcomes in ORIF versus Ilizarov fixation for operative treatment of tibial plafond fracture type C according to the AO/OTA classification with follow up period of at least 6 months. Five Studies literature (Four retrospective and one Prospective) that involved 250 patients, fulfilled the study criteria and were included in this study. Results As regards the time till surgery and healing, the current systematic review revealed that there was statistically significant increase in the time till surgery (days) in ORIF group (11.75 ± 2.67) versus EF group (6.95 ± 3.14) (p-value &amp;lt;0.001) and non-significant increase in the time to union (days) in ORIF group (48.10 ± 44.11) than EF group (41.73 ± 37.53) (p-value = 0.287). The current study results revealed that the Range of Ankle Motion showed a statistically significant increase in the mean dorsiflexion and plantarflexion in ORIF group than EF group (p- value &amp;lt;0.001). As regards complications, Analysis of the complications (nonunion, malunion, superficial, deep infections, Osteomyelitis and Arthritis) revealed a statistically significant increase in the percentage of patients with complications in EF group compared to ORIF group (p value &amp;lt;0.001) with significant difference in rates of malunion (p = 0.034) and superficial infection (p = 0.012) between ORIF and EF for treatment of TPF. Although the risk of deep infection was higher in the EF group, it was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.811). Conclusion this study provides an overview of functional outcome and complications after common surgical strategies for management of tibial plafond fractures. Both ORIF and CEF are acceptable treatment options for management of TPF; however, functional levels vary substantially. External fixation results in the higher rate complications of malunion, superficial infection and decreased range of motion compared to Open reduction and internal fixation, while Open reduction and internal fixation was associated with significant bad functional outcome and delayed time to healing and surgery. Post-traumatic arthritis deep infection and non-union rates were comparable in both groups. The results reported here can aid patients and their surgeons in the decision for operative treatment.

External Fixation versus Internal Fixation in the Treatment of Severe Grade of Blount’s Disease. A Systemic Review &amp; Meta Analysis

Abstract Background Blount disease is a developmental condition characterized by a failure of endochondral ossification localized at the medial aspect of the proximal tibial physeal plate with consequent angular and rotational deformities of the lower limb. Objective To review systemically studies about External fixation versus internal fixation in the treatment of severe grade of blount’s disease. Patients and Methods This is a systematic review study and meta-analysis on human subjects studied in different literatures collected from different medical websites from 2011 till 2021 that dealing with external and internal fixation in Severe Blount’s disease, aiming at highlighting clinical and functional outcomes of both techniques. Data Sources Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, ScienceDirect. EMF-Portal) and all materials available in the Internet till 2021. Data Extraction If the studies did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, they were excluded. Study quality assessment included whether ethical approval was gained, eligibility criteria specified, appropriate controls, and adequate information and defined assessment measures. Conclusion Comparison of both preoperative and postoperative results of both internal and external fixation methods showed statistically non-significant difference.

Outcomes of Figure of Eight Graft Reconstruction of Anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background A sternoclavicular (SC) joint dislocation is a rare injury, accounting for 1% of all traumatic joint dislocations. Dislocation of the SCJ is a rare injury and typically requires high- energy forces applied directly or indirectly to the joint. Although anterior sternoclavicular dislocations are more common because of the strength of the posterior joint capsule, posterior sternoclavicular dislocations tend to be more morbid because of the risk of tracheal, esophageal, or neurovascular compression. Even after appropriate treatment of the initial dislocation, patients can occasionally have persistent SCJ instability that may present as pain and scapular dyskinesia. Objective To perform a systematic review on results of reconstruction of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation via figure of eight graft, aiming at highlighting clinical and functional outcomes of this technique. Patients and Methods This is a systematic review study and meta-analysis on human subjects studied in different literatures collected from different medical websites up to December 2022 that dealing with the reconstruction of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation via figure of eight graft, aiming at highlighting clinical and functional outcomes of this technique. The study was performed in the Orthopedic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University along the period from August 2022 to January 2023. Results The meta-analysis for postoperative complications showed non-significant difference (P = 0.068). This indicated that this technique had low risk of complications. Forest plot and pooling of data using random-effects method (REM) with 95% CI found minor heterogeneity (I2 = 38.4%) non- significant difference (p &amp;gt; 0.05) in complications of this operative technique. The funnel plot for postoperative complications found no evidence of publication bias with symmetrical funnel plot. Rank correlation test and regression analysis for funnel plot asymmetry was insignificant (r = 0.0852, p = 0.068) for postoperative complication of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation operated by 8-shaped autologous graft. Data Sources Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, ScienceDirect. EMF-Portal) and all materials available in the Internet till 2020. Conclusion SC joint reconstruction, using a gracilis graft, results in a prolonged improvement in shoulder function in most patients with symptomatic chronic anterior SC instability. The technique aims at reducing the risk of serious vascular and functional complications, but extreme care is still needed during the procedure.

Evaluating the Readability, Credibility, and Quality of Spanish-Language Online Educational Resources for Knee Arthroplasty: Implications for Patient Education and Health Disparities.

Spanish-speaking individuals may experience language-based disparities related to elective orthopaedic procedures. Because patients often seek online health information, we assessed the readability, credibility, and quality of Spanish-language educational websites for knee arthroplasty. We queried "Google," "Yahoo," and "Bing" using the term "reemplazo de rodilla" (knee replacement in Spanish) and extracted the top 50 websites per search engine. Websites were categorized by information source (physician/community hospital, university/academic, other) and presence of HONcode certification. Information was assessed for readability (Fernández-Huerta formula), credibility (Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria), and quality (Brief DISCERN tool); scores were compared between the categories. A total of 77 unique websites were included (40.3% physician/community hospital, 35.1% university/academic). The median readability score was 59.4 (10th to 12th-grade reading level); no websites achieved the recommended level of ≤6th grade. The median Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark score was 2 (interquartile range 1 to 3), with only 7.8% of websites meeting all criteria. The median Brief DISCERN score was 16 (interquartile range 12 to 20), with 50.7% meeting the threshold for good quality. University/academic websites had better readability (P = 0.02) and credibility (P = 0.002) but similar quality (P > 0.05) compared with physician/community hospital websites. In addition, HONcode-certified websites had better quality scores (P = 0.045) but similar readability and credibility (P > 0.05) compared with noncertified websites. We identified limitations in readability, credibility, and quality of Spanish-language online educational resources for knee arthroplasty. Healthcare providers should be aware of these patient education barriers when counseling patients, and efforts should be made to support the online information needs of Spanish-speaking orthopaedic patients and mitigate language-based disparities.

Evaluation of health recommender systems: a scoping review protocol

BackgroundPeople increasingly rely on online health information for their health-related decision-making. Given the overwhelming amount of information available, the risk of misinformation is high. Health recommender systems, which recommend personalised...

Digital Health Literacy Predictors and COVID-19 Online Information-Seeking Behaviors Among University Students from Romania

In addition to the infectious disease, the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by an infodemic that worsened the outbreak. Increased digital health literacy (DHL) skills and information-seeking behaviors are crucial for accessing, understanding, and evaluating online health information, especially during a pandemic, where misinformation imposes immediate health consequences. This study explores the predictors of DHL among Romanian students and their information-seeking behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through a cross-sectional study design over 3 months (December 2020–February 2021) and a self-reported web-based questionnaire from 1,381 university students from Romania assessing DHL and information-seeking behaviors. We used descriptive statistics, Cronbach Alpha coefficients, and univariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions to explore DHL’s predictors in the Romanian sample. Results showed that overall, the study sample had high levels of DHL. However, almost half of the respondents reported having problems assessing whether the information searched related to coronavirus is reliable or not, and 95% shared someone else’s private information online. Age, subjective social status, gender, and chronic diseases were identified as predictors for DHL. Students’ DHL skills need to be strengthened using tailored educational programs and interventions emphasizing the quality, accuracy, and timely provision of online information on official public health platforms. Additional actions include fostering collaborations between educational institutions and public health authorities, alongside developing smartphone applications for real-time guidance on health topics. It is of the utmost importance to address the spread of the infodemic through different strategies, to combat misinformation among university students.

Secured Sharing of Personal Health Records in Cloud with Optimised Signcryption: Improved Shark Smell Optimisation for Key Generation

Recently, personal health records (PHR) have been found to come into view as a patient- centric approach for exchanging health data. With the use of a PHR service, a physician may create, access and maintain all of their personal health information online in one convenient location. Additionally, it has greatly improved the efficient exchange, retrieval and storage of patient data. Each patient is also promised total ownership over their medical records and the option to share their data with a wider range of clients together with friends, family members or healthcare providers. Owing to the higher price of maintaining and building specific data centres, numerous PHR services were contracted out to third-party service providers. Therefore, this work is concerned with carrying out the secured sharing of PHR by inducing the signcryption model with an optimisation concept. In the signcryption model, the digital signature encryption is done using an improved AES approach. Further, the key generation is carried out using a self-customised shark smell algorithm (SC-SSA) algorithm. Finally, the evaluation is done to verify the improvement of the system that was used.

Exploring online health resources and self-care among irritable bowel syndrome patients: analyzing internet use and AI chatbot interactions.

The increasing prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Saudi Arabia has led to a growing interest in understanding how patients seek health information online. While it is known that digital platforms, such as search engines, social media, and artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, are commonly used for health information seeking, there is limited knowledge about the specific behaviors of IBS patients in this context and how these behaviors correlate with their self-care activities. This study aimed to explore online health information-seeking behavior and its correlation with self-care activities among patients with IBS in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the use of these digital platforms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January to July 2023. The survey, available in both English and Arabic, targeted IBS patients aged 16 years or older. The questionnaire covered demographics, general internet usage, online health information-seeking behavior, and IBS knowledge and awareness. In this study, 451 IBS patients completed the survey. Notably, 95.1% of participants were internet users, primarily accessing health information through mobile phones and search engines. The results highlighted a significant correlation between online health information-seeking behaviors and self-care practices (P=0.009) like exercise and dietary adjustments, despite a moderate basic knowledge [standard deviation (SD) 2.26%] of IBS. Symptomatically, 93.3% experienced abdominal pain weekly, yet 63% did not fully meet the Rome criteria for IBS. Common management strategies included hydration, diet modifications, and exercise. About 28.4% visited the emergency room (ER) for severe symptoms, and 20% regularly consulted doctors every 3-6 months. Surprisingly, 80% were unaware of the FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet, often suggested for IBS. The research indicates a rise in digital health literacy among IBS patients in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for accurate and culturally appropriate online resources. It suggests that healthcare professionals and policymakers should direct patients to reliable information and address the digital divide to enhance self-care and IBS management outcomes.

Hey Google? When patients consult Dr Google about tendinopathy; an analysis of search terms and questions from four English speaking regions across six tendons

Hey Google? When patients consult Dr Google about tendinopathy; an analysis of search terms and questions from four English speaking regions across six tendons

Calling for allied efforts to strengthen digital health literacy in Sweden: perspectives of policy makers

BackgroundA more digitalised world comes with the promise to improve people’s lives. Therefore, it is essential that policymakers also align digital interventions with initiatives to empower citizens and strengthen their digital health literacy. The aim of this study was to explore the views of Swedish policymakers regarding the potential and barriers of a European strategy to strengthen digital health literacy.MethodRepresentatives from Swedish governmental agencies and regions were purposively approached by email to ask them to participate in online workshops to discuss the potential and barriers of developing a European strategy to strengthen digital health literacy.ResultsThe results highlight the need for a national strategy to strengthen digital health literacy. The findings point to critical areas for improvement, ethical and social considerations, and the importance of inclusive and accessible health information online. Participants identified vulnerable groups requiring targeted support to enhance their digital health literacy, particularly those at risk of digital exclusion. Participants emphasised the importance of considering various combinations of conditions or problems that people may have, urging policymakers to adopt a nuanced approach to enhance digital literacy.ConclusionsThere is a critical need for policymakers to strengthen digital health literacy in the population to ensure health equity in relation to digitalisation opportunities. Policymakers advocate for a dedicated national strategy, supporting policymakers to prioritize digital health literacy. Tailoring information, enhancing digital support for prevention, and considering ethical implications are reported as important aspects to improve digital health literacy.