Evaluating the credibility of digital health information on antibiotics: a user perspective

Abstract

Anas Ali Alhur, Rahaf Asiri, Tief Asiri, Sara Jabbari, Bdoor Asiri, Arwa Almalki, Azizah Ayyashi, Raghad Al-Maray, Ola Shubaili, Anwar Alahmari, Manar Alqahtani, Yara Aiyed, Rakan Almutairi, Aeshah Alshowaiman, Raghad Al Maalwi

With digital platforms increasingly serving as primary sources of health information, assessing the credibility of online antibiotic-related content is imperative. This study evaluated user perspectives on the reliability and trustworthiness of digital health information concerning antibiotics. Amidst escalating concerns about antibiotic resistance and the misuse of antibiotics, accurate information dissemination is crucial. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, a structured online questionnaire was administered to 1,149 respondents to assess perceptions of credibility, trust, and information-seeking behaviors across various digital platforms, including social media, health websites, and forums. The findings revealed that source and author credibility (β=0.35, p<0.001) and user-driven credibility indicators (β=0.22, p<0.001) were significant predictors of trust in professional health information, collectively accounting for 26.5% of the variance. Additionally, higher education levels (β=0.10, p=0.02) and increased confidence in identifying credible information (β=0.18, p<0.001) were associated with greater trust. Factor analysis identified two key dimensions of credibility assessment: Source and Author Credibility, and User-Driven Credibility Indicators. The mediation analysis indicated that confidence partially mediated the relationship between source credibility and trust (β=0.15, 95% CI [0.10, 0.21]). These results highlight the importance of both authoritative sources and user engagement in fostering trust in digital health information. The study provides actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and digital stakeholders to enhance the dissemination of reliable antibiotic information and combat antibiotic resistance effectively.