Assessing the readability, accuracy, completeness, and suitability of Arabic web-based information for patients with obesity

Context: With the increasing prevalence of obesity and relying on the Internet as a source of data, evaluation of Arabic obesity-related websites became necessary. Aim: This study aims to assess the suitability, accuracy, completeness, and readability of Arabic obesity-related websites. Settings and Design: An infodemiological cross-sectional study of Internet-based search using three search engines in April 2024. Subjects and Methods: Obesity-related Arabic keywords were selected to search for the websites. The Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAMs) was used to evaluate the appropriateness of the information for the audience. Content accuracy and completeness were scored in accordance with current evidence-based clinical guidelines. Then, readability was evaluated using Flesch reading ease (FRE), Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index. Finally, the suitability, content accuracy and completeness, and readability have been compared among the studied websites. Statistical Analysis: Means and standard deviations or frequency and percentages were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: Of 43 websites analyzed, only 5% achieved superior SAM score, with the majority ranging from adequate to unsuitable. The content accuracy and completeness scores were highly diverse; the mean was 5.0 (±2.0), with 51% of websites scoring low, indicating insufficient reliability and depth. However, high ease of readability was demonstrated with a mean FKGL of 5.0 (±4.0), FRE of 93 (±24), and SMOG of 4.0 (±2.0). The suitability and content accuracy and completeness did not significantly vary across website types, whereas readability revealed variation, being lowest in blogs and highest in health portals. Conclusion: Arabic websites on obesity range widely in quality, with notable shortcomings in content accuracy and completeness. However, the readability results are promising with an accessible language. These findings highlight the urgent need for evidence-based Arabic web content to better assist public understanding and informed decision-making regarding obesity management.