Do anxiety websites have the answers people are looking for?

Matthew T Bernstein; Kristin A Reynolds; Lorna S Jakobson; Sarah K Petty; Teaghan A M Pryor; Brenda M Stoesz; Gillian M Alcolado; Patricia Furer

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2021.08.002

Do anxiety websites have the answers people are looking for?

Patient Educ Couns. 2022 Apr;105(4):933-941. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.08.002. Epub 2021 Aug 4.

Authors

Matthew T Bernstein¹, Kristin A Reynolds², Lorna S Jakobson², Sarah K Petty², Teaghan A M Pryor², Brenda M Stoesz³, Gillian M Alcolado⁴, Patricia Furer⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. Electronic address: matthew.bernstein@uhn.ca.
² Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
⁴ Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

PMID: 34404559
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.08.002

Abstract

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: A wealth of online anxiety information exists but much of it is not evidence-based or well-balanced. This study evaluated anxiety websites (N = 20) on readability, quality, usability, visual design, and content.

Results: Overall, websites were of reasonable quality but only half were considered understandable according to the PEMAT usability scale (70% cutoff value). The average reading level across websites was 11.2 (SMOG), which is higher than NIH recommended grade 6-7 level. Websites had variable design features and a trending association suggested websites with better design come up earlier in search results. The number of topics covered varied across websites and most did not adequately cover all topics of interest. Most websites included information about psychological and self-help treatments, how treatment works, and what treatment entails. The Top 5 websites were: (1) Anxiety BC, (2) ADAA, (3) Mind, (4) Beyond Blue, and (5) Web MD.

Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate existing anxiety information websites based on the dimensions described above and their relationship to Google search results.

Practice implications: This study highlights the importance of considering several dimensions in developing mental health resources and provides direction for strategies to improve existing websites and/or develop new resources.

Keywords: Anxiety; Information quality; Internet; Patient education; Treatment decision making; Websites.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Anxiety*
Comprehension*
Humans
Internet

Grants and funding

380214/CIHR/Canada