Health literacy demand and quality of website nutrition information for multiple sclerosis

AimTo explore the accuracy, health literacy demand and quality of websites containing nutrition information for multiple sclerosis (MS).Subject and methodsA cross-sectional content analysis of websites targeting nutrition for MS was conducted. Accuracy of information contained on the websites was confirmed using the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Health literacy demand (understandability, actionability, readability) was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool and the Hemingway readability calculator. The QUality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST) was used to assess the quality of information. Data were descriptively analysed based on the types of authors and topic of each website.ResultsA total of 158 websites were eligible, with only 43.7% of websites containing accurate information. The most common topic was a "special diet" (39.9%), with the highest proportions of inaccurate information (71.4%) and low quality scores (median 12). Most websites were of poor quality with a high health literacy demand (i.e. not understandable, actionable or readable). Websites that were more accurate and of higher quality contained general healthy eating advice written by dietitians, doctors and medical organisations.ConclusionPeople living with MS should be encouraged to seek support from health professionals to interpret information found online and be included in open discussions about health behaviour change for MS.