Quality of web-based information on alcohol dependence

Methods: Three keywords, 'alcohol addiction', 'alcohol dependence' and 'alcohol abuse' were entered into three popular World Wide Web search engines. Websites were assessed with a standardized proforma designed to rate sites on the basis of accountability, presentation, interactivity, readability and content quality. 'Health on the Net' (HON) quality label, and DISCERN scale scores aimed to assist persons without content expertise to assess quality of written health publication and were used to verify their efficiency as quality indicators. Results: Of the 180 websites identified, 104 were included. Based on outcome measures, the overall quality of the sites turned-out to be poor. The global scores appeared as good content quality indicators. Conclusions: While alcohol education web sites for patients are widespread, their educational material highly varies in quality and content.