Summarize Some Guidelines for Consumers to Evaluate Health Research Information

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The Answer is A. Whereas people only heard about research from their doctors in the past, today the Internet (as well as TV and newspapers) publicizes it. However, this creates the problem that consumers may be reading untrustworthy, inaccurate information.
1. News media may focus on the most sensationalistic parts to get people's attention, misleading them.
2. Commercials may distort or disregard scientific evidence to sell health-related products or services.
B. Since more than 80% of Internet users look there for health information, consumers should ask themselves some questions to evaluate this information:
1. Who is responsible for a website's information? Sites with addresses (URLs) ending in ".org" belong to nonprofits; in ".gov" to government agencies; and in ".edu" to educational institutions, and are more likely to offer unbiased information. Sites with addresses (URLs) ending in ".com" belong to commercial/for-profit companies, and may be primarily motivated by sales.
2. What is a website's purpose? Sites selling things are less likely to give unbiased information. As dramatic "breakthroughs" are rare in science, sites promising these are suspect.
3. What evidence supports a website's claim? It should present findings obtained through published research studies by qualified scientists with government, research hospital, or university affiliations; and should provide references to those studies. Commercial claims and "satisfied customer" testimonials are typically not research evidence-based.
4. Is enough information available on a website for evaluating a scientific study's research design? Studies with larger samples (participant groups) yield more reliable results. Studies must use randomized, controlled experimental designs to imply causation of specific health outcomes; control for placebo effects; and, in retrospective or prospective designs, control sufficiently for potential confounding variables; and identify participant populations.
5. Is the health information on a website reviewed by an expert with research or medical credentials before it is posted?
6. Is the information on a website current? The site should identify the date of the most recent review or posting. Updated information is important, since scientific knowledge is continually evolving.
7. Recommended websites for current scientific health information include the National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov).

Summarize Some Guidelines for Consumers to Evaluate Health Research Information

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