To assess the quality and readability of online webpages regarding management of phimosis and paraphimosis through the popular internet search engine – Google.

An internet search with the terms “treatment options” and “phimosis and paraphimosis” were conducted and the initial one hundred webpages were reviewed. Sixty-eight webpages were included while webpages that were journal articles, paywall or advertisement were excluded. Online quality assessments– DISCERN, QUEST, and JAMA criteria – and readability assessments – Gunning-Fog Index, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Flesch Reading ease and IELTS – were used. Two authors independently reviewed and analysed the included webpages. If there were any discrepancy in scoring, a third reviewer would make the decision.

Overall quality of online information was poor, all quality measures scored below 60% – median DISCERN scores: 41.5 out of 80 (IQR 34-51), JAMA: 1 out of 4 (IQR 0-2) and QUEST: 11.5 out of 28 (IQR 9-13.4). A top ranked webpage scored significant higher in total and subsection DISCERN scores as identified by unpaired t-test. Linear regression analysis on DISCERN score identified QUEST score as a positive predictor whilst a lower ranked webpage as a negative predictor. Readability score was poor as comprehensive level equivalent to 12th grade is necessary to comprehend these webpages.

The overall online quality and readability regarding phimosis and paraphimosis management was poor; the webpage rank can influence the quality of information. Access to online health information is a useful resource, but patients should be advised to consume online information in conjunction with health professionals.