Readability and content assessment of patient information texts on oral cancers found on Turkish websites

Abstract

Aim: Oral cancer is one of the health problems that results in high mortality in the community. It is known that, when diagnosed in the later stages (3 or 4), the disease is difficult to treat. Patient education on heredity and early diagnoses are critical for the successful treatment of oral cancer. This study aimed to evaluate Turkish texts about oral cancers found online in terms of their readability and content. Methodology: The first 100 websites returned from a Google search using the keywords "Ağız kanseri" (“oral cancer,” in Turkish) were examined. The patient information texts obtained were evaluated according to the Ateşman Readability Index. Their contents were also evaluated in terms of whether or not they provided sufficient information about the disease. Results: It was understood that the texts examined in the study were of medium difficulty according to the Ateşman Readability Index (mean 61.73± 11.81). The content of the information on the websites examined in the study was deemed sufficient and useful. Most of the websites examined were those of private clinics and hospitals. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that the patient information texts found on Turkish websites were of medium reading difficulty. Although they are sufficient in terms of content, if they are not understood by the patients, their intended effects on readers will not be seen.   How to cite this article: Kaya DI. Readability and content assessment of patient information texts on oral cancers found on Turkish websites. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):91-5. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.15   Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.