Quality of the internet information regarding uterine fibroids: a systematic review

• Grant number: 16/19455-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2017
• End date: December 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito
• Grantee: Daniela Gama de Melo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Uterine fibroids is the most benign gynecological tumor among women, with 70-80% in assymptomatic patients. However, 20-30% of them present symptoms, such as abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain. There is still a lack of knowledge about how this disease behaves; however, the presence of Internet in almost every home has turning easy the task to obtain information for these women. What we don´t know is that if these information are available at an adequate way according to what the scientific societies recommend. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the accuracy, credibility, readability and quality of information available on the Internet through a meta-search tool (Copernic Tracker), using the terms "uterine leiomyoma" and derivatives simultaneously in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. This led to a filter of websites that present information on uterine leiomyoma, coming from diferent tools. Credibility will be analyzed by a ten-point scale; The accuracy will be based on the guidelines of the ASRM / NIH / EMAS; the quality will be assessed through the DISCERN questionnaire; finally, the readability will be verified using the Flesh Reading Ease Score. The interobserver concordance will be tested by the intraclass coefficient. Expected results: We believe that we can identify the websites that best disseminate information on uterine leiomyoma with the realization of this protocol, which can be added as a tool for multidisciplinary orientation of these women, as well as to provide feedback for the scientific societies regarding the disclosed information. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DE MELO, DANIELA GAMA; SOARES JALLAD, PEDRO SERGIO; OLIVEIRA BRITO, LUIZ GUSTAVO. Quality Information about Uterine Fibroids on the Internet. Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, v. 40, n. 9, p. 547-553, SEP 2018. (16/19455-6)