Information sources of bariatric surgical patients who are internet users: Perception of effectiveness and reliability

Abstract

Background: Patient education is integral to bariatric surgical programs. With increasing accessibility to the internet, patients now use online sources to obtain information, which raises concern about the reliability of content presented in these sources. This study aimed to evaluate online information sources that bariatric patients use and determine patients' perceived effectiveness and reliability concerning these sources.Methods: The study was conducted with 125 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery for the first time within the past 6 months. Data were obtained through an online survey form.Results: Most patients reported that they were informed by health care professionals, and mostly by physicians. The respondents reported that they mostly used Facebook (86%), and 74% indicated that they used internet applications because they trusted other patients' experiences. Although 82% of the participants were selective in terms of online sources to which they referred for information, 62% considered that social media could be used to obtain information.Conclusions: Although most patients were informed by health care professionals, patients mostly sought online information and trusted internet sources. Patients should be made aware of the importance of trustworthy information, and internet resources should be incorporated into the patient education process to provide reliable information for patients.