Evaluation of readability of Turkish online sources related to adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the readability and apprehensibility of online Turkish patient education sources related to adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy procedures. Materials and Methods: On the Google search engine, “adenoidectomy surgery,” “tonsillectomy surgery,” and “adenotonsillectomy surgery” terms were searched in Turkish. For each term, the first 50 websites were determined. Websites with repeating content, academic journals, videos, and websites including only graphics and tables were excluded. Websites were categorized as hospital websites or physician websites. These education materials were evaluated with Ateşman readability score. Results: Ninety-one websites were analyzed after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Regarding patient education articles, 49 hospital websites and 42 physician websites were identified. The mean Ateşman readability scores of all websites was 58.88±7.81 (apprehensible by 11th and 12th grade students). The mean score of hospital websites was 58.89±8.54, and the mean score of physician websites was 58.87±6.96. There was no statistically significant difference between the hospital websites and physician websites (p=0.925). Conclusion: The readability of patient education sources related to adenotonsillectomy in the Turkish language is more difficult than the desired level. Improving the readability of the websites may help direct patients to the correct treatment and increase adherence to the treatment process.