(318) Evaluating the Readability of Online Testosterone Search Results

Abstract Introduction Patients and physicians are increasingly utilizing online platforms to disseminate health information. With the explosive interest and growth in testosterone therapy (TTh) amongst patients, providers and business interests, online health information plays a significant role in patients' healthcare decisions. Nearly all patients engage some form of online tool, search engine or resource when learning about a condition, treatment and alternatives that may exist. While the availability of information can be helpful, left unchecked it could preclude or even obstruct accurate and timely information dissemination to the very target audience. Objective Our study evaluated the source and readability of web-based information available to patients regarding TTh found through online search engine results. Methods The first 50 web results from Google search terms “Testosterone Therapy” (TTh) and “Testosterone Replacement” (TR) were analyzed. Sources were categorized as Academic, Commercial, Institutional, or Patient Support before being evaluated using validated readability and English language text assessment tools including the Flesch Reading Ease score, Flesch Kincade, Gunning Fog, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Coleman-Liau Index and Automated Readability index. Results 77 unique sources were identified. The average grade level required for understanding academic sources was 16 (college senior); commercial, institutional, and patient support sources were 13 (college freshman); 8 and 5 grade levels, respectively above the average U.S. adult. Patient support sources were most prevalent, while commercial sources were the least at 35% and 14%, respectively. The average reading ease score was 36.8, indicative of difficult-to-read material overall. Academic sources utilized 296% and 228% more words compared to commercial and institutional/patient support sources, respectively. Conclusions The most immediate online sources for TTh information grossly exceeds the average reading level and understanding of most adults within the U.S. Within the growing realm of TTh, more attention should be taken to publish accurate, accessible, and readable material in order to improve patient health literacy and empower patients. Disclosure No