Evaluation of English and Spanish Health Information on the Internet

APPENDIX E: Examples of Conflicting Information

Breast Cancer Conflicting Information
Significant Conflict 1. Recommends mammography every 2 years ages 40-50

2. Recommends mammography every year over age 40

Potentially Harmful Conflict 1. Recommends investigating a lump if it doesn't change

2. Urges seeing a provider if a lump is found at all

Childhood Asthma Conflicting Information
Significant Conflict 1. States that inhaled steroids do not stunt growth

2. States that inhaled steroids do stunt growth

Potentially Harmful Conflict 1. Lists oral steroids as a quick relief medication

2. Lists oral steroids as a long term medication

Depression Conflicting Information
Significant Conflict 1. St. John's Wort is as effective as prescription medications

2. No evidence that St John's Wort is as effective

Potentially Harmful Conflict 1. Serious interactions between tricyclics and SSRIs

2. Prozac mixed with tricyclic is not harmful

Obesity Conflicting Information
Significant Conflict 1. Xenical increases the absorption of fat soluble vitamins

2. Xenical decreases the absorption of fat soluble vitamins

Potentially Harmful Conflict None

Table of Contents
Appendix D