IJERPH, Vol. 17, Pages 7629: The Quality, Readability, Completeness, and Accuracy of PTSD Websites for Firefighters

IJERPH, Vol. 17, Pages 7629: The Quality, Readability, Completeness, and Accuracy of PTSD Websites for Firefighters
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph17207629
Authors:
Killip
Kwong
MacDermid
Fletcher
Carleton

Firefighters appear at an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because of PTSD-related stigma, firefighters may search for information online. The current study evaluated the quality, readability, and completeness of PTSD online resources, and to determine how the online treatment recommendations align with current evidence. Google.ca (Canada) searches were performed using four phrases: ‘firefighter PTSD’, ‘firefighter operational stress’, ‘PTSD symptoms’, and ‘PTSD treatment’. The 75 websites identified were assessed using quality criteria for consumer health information (DISCERN), readability and health literacy statistics, content analysis, and a comparison of treatments mentioned to the current best evidence. The average DISCERN score was 43.8 out of 75 (indicating ‘fair’ quality), with 9 ‘poor’ websites (16–30), 31 ‘fair’ websites (31–45), 26 “good” websites (46–60), and nine excellent websites (61–7...

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - October 19, 2020 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Killip Kwong MacDermid Fletcher Carleton Tags: Article Source Type: research