Evaluation of UK internet sources on information about melatonin in children

Irfan, Iqra and Akram, Gazala (2016) Evaluation of UK internet sources on information about melatonin in children. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 24 (Suppl.). pp. 43-44. 0045. ISSN 2042-7174 (https://doi.org/10.1111/ijpp.12289)

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Abstract

Websites were grouped according to host categories, (i.e. governmental, professional, commercial and charity) and scored using a bespoke instrument to evaluate the quality of information on melatonin as a sleep aid for children. 26 websites were evaluated against 20 criteria measuring the quality of clinical and physical attributes of the site. Each attribute scored 0, 1 or 2 (max score of 40). The mean (SD) total score was 18.5 (5.6) out of 40. Sites scored poorly for their clinical content [6.6 (3.6) out of 22] but scored more favourably for the physical characteristics [11.7 (2.9) out of 18]. The quality of information about melatonin online is extremely basic and limited.

ORCID iDs

Irfan, Iqra and Akram, Gazala ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3207-8091;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)