Quality of web-based information on bipolar disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate web-based information on bipolar disorder and to assess particular content quality indicators.


METHODS
Two keywords, "bipolar disorder" and "manic depressive illness" were entered into popular World Wide Web search engines. Websites were assessed with a standardized proforma designed to rate sites on the basis of accountability, presentation, interactivity, readability and content quality. "Health on the Net" (HON) quality label, and DISCERN scale scores were used to verify their efficiency as quality indicators.


RESULTS
Of the 80 websites identified, 34 were included. Based on outcome measures, the content quality of the sites turned-out to be good. Content quality of web sites dealing with bipolar disorder is significantly explained by readability, accountability and interactivity as well as a global score.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall content quality of the studied bipolar disorder websites is good.
Morel
Vincent
V
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Chatton
Anne
A
Cochand
Sophie
S
Zullino
Daniele
D
Khazaal
Yasser
Y
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires