What the study found
The study found that online health information about osteoporosis often failed to meet basic evidence-based health information standards. Average quality scores were low for diagnostics, treatment, and prevention information.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that improving the quality of online osteoporosis information is important for supporting informed decision-making. They also state that as online health information use increases, reliable and evidence-based resources are critical to improving patient outcomes.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of German- and English-language Google search results for “osteoporosis” and its German translation. They used the validated Mapping the Quality of Health Information (MAPPinfo) checklist to assess whether websites met evidence-based health information criteria.
What worked and what didn't
A total of 146 websites met the inclusion criteria, including sources such as hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, specialist organisations, and others. The average compliance with evidence-based criteria was 15.3% for diagnostics, 16.7% for treatment, and 17.4% for prevention, indicating low overall quality. Most websites covered more than one topic area, but rehabilitation information was rare.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes a search of Google results in German and English, so the findings are limited to that setting and time period. The available summary does not report detailed limitations beyond the study design and scope.
Key points
- The study evaluated osteoporosis information found through Google in German and English.
- 146 websites met the inclusion criteria.
- Average evidence-based quality scores were low across diagnostics, treatment, and prevention.
- The authors say better online information is needed to support informed decision-making.
- Rehabilitation information was included on only one website.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Online osteoporosis information often falls short of evidence-based standards
- Authors:
- Sandro Zacher, Julia Lauberger, Julia Lühnen, Anke Steckelberg
- Institutions:
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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