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Objective <p>Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder. Many patients search the internet for information about their symptoms and treatment options; however, the quality and readability of online patient education materials may vary considerably. To evaluate the quality and readability of Turkish-language online patient information on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and assess differences by website source.</p> Methods <p>Seventy Turkish-language websites on BPPV were identified via Google and Yandex on March 1, 2025, using predefined criteria, and were categorized into private hospitals/medical centers, individual health professionals, and general/non-profit websites. Quality was assessed with the DISCERN instrument, and readability was measured using the Ateşman and Bezirci–Yılmaz formulas.</p> Results <p>Overall quality was poor (mean DISCERN score: 36.79 ± 11.59), with most sites rated “poor” or “fair.” Websites from individual health professionals scored higher than general/non-profit websites (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), while no significant differences were observed between hospitals/medical centers and the other groups. Readability was “moderately difficult” across all groups, with no significant differences (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05). Quality and readability were not correlated (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05).</p> Conclusion <p>Turkish BPPV websites were generally low-quality and moderately difficult to read. Improving clarity, accuracy, and accessibility may help enhance patient understanding and support more informed decision-making.</p>

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Quality and readability of Turkish online patient information websites on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月27日

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  • Bilgehan Tekin Dal,
  • Hayri Canbaz

摘要

Objective

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder. Many patients search the internet for information about their symptoms and treatment options; however, the quality and readability of online patient education materials may vary considerably. To evaluate the quality and readability of Turkish-language online patient information on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and assess differences by website source.

Methods

Seventy Turkish-language websites on BPPV were identified via Google and Yandex on March 1, 2025, using predefined criteria, and were categorized into private hospitals/medical centers, individual health professionals, and general/non-profit websites. Quality was assessed with the DISCERN instrument, and readability was measured using the Ateşman and Bezirci–Yılmaz formulas.

Results

Overall quality was poor (mean DISCERN score: 36.79 ± 11.59), with most sites rated “poor” or “fair.” Websites from individual health professionals scored higher than general/non-profit websites (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed between hospitals/medical centers and the other groups. Readability was “moderately difficult” across all groups, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). Quality and readability were not correlated (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Turkish BPPV websites were generally low-quality and moderately difficult to read. Improving clarity, accuracy, and accessibility may help enhance patient understanding and support more informed decision-making.