Clinical Research Case Report

The study titled "Comparative Assessment of Online Written Health Information on Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in English and Hindi Language Webpages" sheds light on the critical differences in the quality of health information available online regarding erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments in English and Hindi. The article was published in The Journal of Psychosexual Health which plays a critical role in advancing the understanding and treatment of psychosexual issues. It focuses on the complex interplay between psychological and sexual health, addressing conditions such as erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunctions, and related mental health issues. The research reveals significant disparities that affect the general public’s understanding of ED, especially in non-English speaking populations.

Key Findings:

1. Objective: This research aimed to assess and compare the quality of online health information about ED treatments available in English and Hindi. The study used well-recognized evaluation tools such as the DISCERN scale and JAMA benchmark criteria.
2. Methodology: The researchers analyzed 86 webpages, including 45 in English and 41 in Hindi, obtained through a systematic Google search. The focus was on patient-oriented content, excluding inaccessible or irrelevant sources.
3. Quality of Information: The quality of the content found on English-language websites was notably higher than that on Hindi-language websites. English pages were more likely to meet established benchmarks for medical reliability, particularly those with HONcode certification, which is recognized for ensuring the credibility of health information.
4. Differences in Treatment Information: English-language sites offered more comprehensive details on scientifically validated ED treatments, such as penile prostheses and testosterone supplementation, whereas Hindi websites frequently focused on traditional or herbal remedies, which often lacked the same level of scientific endorsement.
5. Readability and Presentation: English webpages were generally easier to read and better organized, with higher aesthetic and interactivity ratings. However, their reading difficulty level was still above the recommended standard, making them somewhat challenging for the average reader. Assessing readability in Hindi was not feasible due to the lack of appropriate tools.

Importance for the General Population:

In an age where the internet has become the primary source of information, this study brings to light an important issue: the disparity in the quality of online health resources between languages. For individuals dealing with sensitive conditions like ED, the ability to access clear, reliable, and scientifically sound information is crucial. The study shows that Hindi speakers, in particular, are at a disadvantage. The majority of Hindi-language websites either provide incomplete information or promote unverified treatments, which could mislead users and potentially harm their health.

This highlights the need for action to improve the quality of online health content in non-English languages. Government bodies, educational institutions, and health organizations need to create and promote accurate, easily accessible health information for the public in Hindi and other regional languages.

Contribution to Psychosexual Medicine Research:

This study also plays an important role in advancing research in psychosexual medicine. By rigorously comparing online content across languages, it sets a precedent for future research to further explore how language impacts the accessibility and quality of health information. More research is needed to improve the credibility and readability of online health content, particularly in languages where such content is lacking.

Dr. Saurabh Kumar's Significant Contribution:

As a co-author of this study, Dr. Saurabh Kumar played a key role in shaping the narrative around improving online health information, particularly for underserved populations. His expertise in psychiatry and psychosexual health was instrumental in evaluating the quality of information provided on the treatment of ED.

Mathur, R., Singh, S., Kumar, S., Kukreja, S., & Sharma, P. (2024). Comparative Assessment of Online Written Health Information on Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in English and Hindi Language Webpages. Journal of Psychosexual Health, 26318318241233063.