Previously submitted to: Journal of Medical Internet Research (no longer under consideration since Sep 06, 2021)
Date Submitted: Aug 5, 2021
Open Peer Review Period: Aug 4, 2021 - Sep 6, 2021
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Assessment of The Digestive System Malignancy Information in Wikipedia and Baidu Encyclopedia: Longitudinal Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
The Internet has gradually become the most important way for people to search for information. Increasing number of people searched for relevant information or even treatment plans on the Internet when they get health problem. The reliability of the medical information provided online remains to be proved. Wikipedia and Baidu Encyclopedia are the most widely used search engines in English and Chinese, respectively. The quality of the medical information they provide needs to be assessed.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the quality and timeliness of medical information related with digestive system malignancy retrieved from Wikipedia and Baidu Encyclopedia. Comparison was made between the 2 encyclopedias. We conducted a 3-year follow-up to find out if the quality and timeliness of articles improved.
Methods:
We conducted a search based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision Version 2016 codes in Wikipedia and Baidu Encyclopedia, and evaluated articles related to digestive system malignancy by using the DISCERN instrument. We calculated the update interval of the webpages to evaluate the update timeliness of these websites.
Results:
In 2017 and 2020, we searched out a total of 50 and 52 articles from Baidu Encyclopedia, with 2 articles increased and no article missed. 30 and 32 articles were found in Wikipedia, with 1 article increased and no article missed. According to the scores evaluated by DISCERN instrument. In both 2017 and 2020, Wikipedia scored higher than Baidu Encyclopedia in section1 and section2, and it's statistically significant. Wikipedia scored higher than Baidu Encyclopedia in Section3, but it's not statistically significant. The total score of Wikipedia was higher than Baidu Encyclopedia, and the difference was statistically significant. The update interval of Wikipedia is shorter than that of Baidu Encyclopedia, with better timeliness and statistical significance.
Conclusions:
The quality and timeliness of digestive system malignancy relative articles on Wikipedia are better than those on Baidu Encyclopedia. Both Baidu Encyclopedia and Wikipedia articles have improved in quality over the past three years. However, the treatment information obtained from the Internet still can’t guarantee its comprehensiveness or reliability. Patients should consult a medical professional directly.
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