Acute low back pain information online: An evaluation of quality, content accuracy and readability of related websites

The internet is increasingly being used as a source of health information by the general public. Numerous websites exist that provide advice and information on the diagnosis and management of acute low back pain (ALBP), however, the accuracy and utility of this information has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to establish the quality, content and readability of online information relating to the treatment and management of ALBP. The internet was systematically searched using Google search engines from six major English-speaking countries. In addition, relevant national and international low back pain-related professional organisations were also searched. A total of 22 relevant websites was identified. The accuracy of the content of the ALBP information was established using a 13 point guide developed from international guidelines. Website quality was evaluated using the HONcode, and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade level (FKGL) was used to establish readability. The majority of websites lacked accurate information, resulting in an overall mean content accuracy score of 6.3/17. Only 3 websites had a high content accuracy score (>14/17) along with an acceptable readability score (FKGL 6–8) with the majority of websites providing information which exceeded the recommended level for the average person to comprehend. The most accurately reported category was, “Education and reassurance” (98%) while information regarding “manipulation” (50%), “massage” (9%) and “exercise” (0%) were amongst the lowest scoring categories. These results demonstrate the need for more accurate and readable internet-based ALBP information specifically centred on evidence-based guidelines.