Quality of websites for gamete donation

Abstract

This study aims to assess the quality of online health information about gamete donation based on a quantitative analysis of websites from fertility-clinics in Portugal. All websites providing information about gamete donation were comprehensively screened in June 2017. The reliability and usability of 43 webpages were assessed through the Website Information Evaluation Instrument from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP). None of the webpages met the purpose, content development, and updating criteria set by the ODPHP. Several shortcomings were observed: limited accessibility for users with disabilities, lack of simplified user experiences and easy search functionality, and lack of users’ interaction with content. The quality of online information on gamete donation in fertility-clinics’ websites requires improvement to become user-friendly. The development of specific guidelines and periodic evaluations of these websites using sensitive instruments, merging quantitative and qualitative assessments, is required to guarantee the quality of information that aims to improve reproductive health literacy through people-centered communication.