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How Accurate Are Wikipedia Articles in Health, Nutrition, and Medicine? / Les articles de Wikipédia dans les domaines de la santé, de la nutrition et de la médecine sont-ils exacts ?
Previous studies of Wikipedia have reported mixed results regarding the quality of information on health-related topics. We investigated the accuracy of Wikipedia entries in the areas of health, nutrition, medicine, and complementary and alternative medicine. We formulated 32 statements which are often stated but are probably incorrect ("common misconceptions"). Using Google we found 49 Wikipedia entries that provided information on these 32 statements. Most entries are accurate, but deficiencies are present in a minority. The information provided by Wikipedia has a high degree of accuracy for 23 (72%) of the 32 common misconceptions (19 had a score of 5, the highest mark possible, and 4 had a score of 4.5–4.7). Seven of them (22%) had a score of 4–4.1, indicating that the entry has a minor error or that significant information is missing. Two had a low score (3.5), which indicates a more serious problem. Of all the 49 Wikipedia entries that were evaluated, four had a score of only 3, indicating that the accuracy is seriously flawed or that no information is given. These findings together with those from other studies indicate that the information provided by Wikipedia is mostly of high quality but that significant errors and omissions are fairly common.
Des études antérieures portant sur les articles Wikipédia ont fait mention de résultats inégaux concernant la qualité de l’information sur les sujets liés à la santé. Nous avons étudié l’exactitude des entrées de Wikipédia dans les domaines de la santé, de la nutrition, de la médecine et des médecines parallèles et complémentaires. Nous avons défini trente-deux énoncés qui sont souvent proposés, mais qui sont probablement incorrects (conceptions courantes mais fausses). Une recherche Google a trouvé quarante-trois entrées Wikipédia fournissant des informations sur [End Page 37] ces trente-deux énoncés. La plupart des entrées fournissaient des informations exactes, mais nous avons constaté des lacunes dans une minorité d’entre elles. Pour les trente-deux conceptions courantes mais fausses, vingt-trois (72 %) des entrées Wikipédia atteignaient un degré élevé d’exactitude (dix-neuf avaient un score de 5 [note la plus élevée] et quatre atteignaient 4,5–4,7). Sept des entrées (22%) atteignaient un score de 4–4,1, ce qui indique que l’entrée comportait une petite erreur ou que des informations essentielles étaient manquantes. Deux entrées atteignaient un score faible (3,5). Sur les quarante-trois entrées de Wikipédia qui ont été évalués quatre atteignaient un score de seulement 3, ce qui indique que l’entrée était soit gravement inexacte soit lacunaire. Ces résultats ainsi que ceux d’autres études indiquent que les informations fournies par Wikipédia sont généralement de haute qualité, mais que des erreurs et des omissions importantes sont assez fréquentes.
health information, medical information, nutrition information, Wikipedia
information sur la santé, information médicale, information sur la nutrition, Wikipédia
Introduction
Wikipedia is an encyclopedia of knowledge that is accessed via the Internet. According to its website it offers over four million entries in English as well as millions more in other languages (Wikipedia 2013). These entries cover a very wide range of subjects and are easily accessible at no cost. Wikipedia is now the sixth most used website on the Internet (Alexa 2013). As a result, a Wikipedia entry routinely appears when an Internet search is carried out on almost any topic. This extends to information in most areas of health. A large survey reported that more than 70% of searches for health-related information produce a Wikipedia entry among the first 10 results (Laurent and Vickers 2009).
Evidence suggests that many health professionals use Wikipedia as a source of information. For example, one study reported that 28% of pharmacists in the United States use Wikipedia entries when searching for information on drugs (Brokowski and Sheehan 2009). There is little doubt that millions of members of the general public use Wikipedia as a source of information on diverse topics related to health. However, the accuracy of Wikipedia articles in the biomedical sciences is uncertain, and as a result Wikipedia is seldom cited in papers in peerreviewed journals.
Several studies have evaluated whether Wikipedia deserves this second-rate status. Some studies have indeed found problems with the overall quality, especially the accuracy and completeness, of Wikipedia entries. One study assessed entries on three health problems—otitis media, conjunctivitis, and multiple sclerosis (Pender et al. 2009). The entries omitted some key information, and there were factual errors. Another study looked at entries on the subject of statins (drugs that lower blood cholesterol; Kupferberg and Protus 2011). While none of the information was incorrect, much of it was incomplete in ways that could harm patients (a lack of information on drug interactions and on contraindications for the drugs). A much broader study on the quality of information on [End Page 38] drugs determined that Wikipedia entries were inferior to those at Medscape Drug Reference (Clauson et al. 2008). The investigators concluded that Wikipedia is not authoritative in this area. Similarly, an assessment of the information in Wikipedia on 20 common drugs revealed that it was often incomplete or inaccurate (Lavsa et al. 2011). The investigators concluded that pharmacy students should not use Wikipedia.
In contrast to the above studies, others have rated Wikipedia more positively. One study reported that Wikipedia entries on the topic of osteosarcoma were generally of good quality but inferior to those on the website of the National Cancer Institute (Leithner et al. 2010). Another study found that for schizophrenia and depression the quality of information provided by Wikipedia compared favourably with that found in a psychiatric textbook (Reavley et al. 2012). A study evaluated content related to 10 types of cancer (Rajagopalan et al. 2011). In comparison with information provided by the National Cancer Institute’s Physician Data Query, that from Wikipedia was of similar accuracy and depth though it was less readable. One study observed that Wikipedia entries on a wide variety of health-related topics were based on reputable sources of information (Haigh 2011).
The study reported here was carried out to explore this subject further. Our specific aim was to determine the degree of accuracy of articles in Wikipedia in the areas of health, nutrition, medicine, and complementary and alternative medicine.
Methods
Formulation of Test Statements
We formulated 32 statements, each of which is often stated but is unlikely to be correct ("common misconceptions") (presented in the appendix). Most of the common misconceptions fell into one of these groups: (1) the statement was in older published literature that has been disproven by more recent findings; or (2) the statement is based on little more than speculation with only weak supporting evidence (often by persons selling supplements or promoting unproven ways to prevent or treat various health conditions). In most cases we have seen the common misconceptions stated numerous times. The table provides examples of where the common misconceptions have been stated. We also formulated a correct version of each statement that is based on strong supporting evidence. We included only statements where it would be feasible to categorize Wikipedia entries as being accurate or incorrect (or somewhere in between).
The rationale for this study design is as follows. If Wikipedia is an unreliable source of information, then we would predict that several of the above common misconceptions would be found in Wikipedia entries and presented as if they were proven facts. Conversely, if Wikipedia is a reliable source of information, then we would predict that only the accurate version of each statement would be found in Wikipedia entries. [End Page 39]
The 32 statements came from the following areas:
• herbal supplements (3 statements);
• non-herbal supplements (2);
• nutrition and health (11);
• cancer (3);
• cardiovascular disease (3);
• complementary and alternative medicine (7); and
• health (general aspects) (3).
Several statements overlapped between two or more areas.
Searches and Grading of Wikipedia Entries
We carried out Google searches for Wikipedia entries that covered information related to the 32 statements. This was done during November 2013. We searched for keywords or terms that might be used by a health-care professional, a scientist, or a layperson. For example, for the statement "Tea and coffee have a diuretic action which may therefore lead to dehydration," we searched for the terms "tea," "coffee," and "diuretic action." Similarly, for the statement "Red wine is more effective than other types of alcoholic beverage for preventing heart disease," we searched for the terms "red wine," "wine," "alcohol," and "heart disease." In several cases there was more than one entry with relevant information, in which case all entries were graded and an overall assessment made. However, in other cases Wikipedia had one main entry on a topic but also had other entries which contained only a brief mention of the topic in question and/or were cross-referenced to the entry that covered the topic in more detail. In such cases only the main entry was assessed. Each of the Wikipedia entries is a separate Web page.
Wikipedia entries were graded by level of accuracy as follows: 1 = major error, 2 = significant error, 3 = neutral (or no information given), 4 = mostly correct (but has a minor error or significant information is missing), or 5 = very accurate (including the inclusion of all important information).
For several of the common misconceptions the "accurate statement" contains a degree of uncertainty. For example, for the common misconception on calcium supplements, the accurate statement is "Evidence indicates that calcium supplements may cause an increased risk of cardiovascular disease." The supporting evidence for this is strongly suggestive but falls well short of being firmly established. Accordingly, a score of 5 would indicate that the Wikipedia entry accurately states our present knowledge, including the level of uncertainty.
Results
The findings are shown in detail in the appendix and are summarized in table 1. We evaluated the accuracy of 49 Wikipedia entries that provide information on the 32 common misconceptions. The distribution of the mean scores for the 32 sets of evaluations was as follows: nineteen had a score of 5 (highest mark), four scored 4.5–4.7, seven scored 4–4.1, two scored 3.5, and none scored below 3.5. As indicated in the appendix, 4 Wikipedia entries (out of 49) had a score of [End Page 40]
Comparison of Wikipedia with Current Evidence: Summary
[End Page 41]
only 3 (indicating that the accuracy is neutral [i.e., neither correct nor incorrect] or that no information is given; common misconceptions 9, 10, 12, and 20). However, other Wikipedia entries on the same four common misconceptions scored higher marks.
Discussion
The findings reported here should be viewed cautiously. First, we assessed Wikipedia only for a limited number of areas related to health, nutrition, medicine, and complementary and alternative medicine. An assessment of the accuracy of Wikipedia entries on other topics within those areas might produce different findings. It must also be stressed that categorizing the accuracy of statements is not always clear-cut; some misclassification may therefore have occurred.
Our findings reveal that most Wikipedia entries have a high level of accuracy but that deficiencies are present in a significant minority. This is best shown by the distribution of scores. Of the 32 common misconceptions for which we evaluated the accuracy of Wikipedia entries, 19 (out of 32 mean scores) have a score of 5 (highest mark), and 4 scored 4.5–4.7. Thus, 23 out of 32 (72%) were judged to have a high degree of accuracy. Seven of the 32 mean scores (22%) have a lesser degree of accuracy (i.e., a score of 4–4.1, indicating that the entries are mostly correct but that minor errors are present or significant information is missing). More serious problems were seen with two sets of entries (mean scores of 3.5). Of the 49 Wikipedia entries that were evaluated, 4 had a score of only 3 (indicating that the accuracy is seriously flawed or that no information is given). To put this in context we should bear in mind that review and commentary papers in peer-reviewed journals are often met with strong disagreement.
Previous studies of Wikipedia entries have given mixed results regarding the quality of information on health-related topics. Some have been positive in their assessment (Leithner et al. 2010; Reavley et al. 2012; Rajagopalan et al. 2011; Haigh 2011), whereas others have pointed to significant errors or other deficiencies in the information (Pender et al. 2009; Kupferberg and Protus 2011; Clauson et al. 2008; Lavsa et al. 2011). These inconsistent findings suggest that Wikipedia is a "work in progress"; while it is mostly quite accurate it should not be relied on as an authoritative source of information. The accuracy of Wikipedia entries clearly requires further study across a range of subject areas. This research needs to be ongoing as Wikipedia entries are continually changing.
Conclusions
Looking at the information as a whole, including the study described here, a reasonable overall assessment is that much of the information provided by Wikipedia is of high quality but that significant errors and omissions are fairly common. Wikipedia should therefore not be relied on as a primary source of scholarly work. However, it can be a useful resource as a starting point for searches or as a supplement to other sources. [End Page 42]
normant@athabascau.ca
joyf@athabascau.ca
References
Appendix. Comparison of Wikipedia with Current Evidence
Herbal Supplements | ||
1. | Common misconception | Ginkgo biloba improves the memory and may be helpful in the treatment or prevention of dementia. |
Examples | Advertising supplement in newspaper http://www.canadianvitaminshop.com/Catalog | |
Accurate statement | There is little solid evidence supporting this. Most findings have failed to show a positive link between Gingko biloba and memory or the prevention of dementia (Snitz et al. 2009). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Ginkgo biloba." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba | |
Score | 5 | |
2. | Common misconception | Echinacea is of significant value for the treatment or prevention of either colds or flu. |
Example | http://www.avogel.ca | |
Accurate statement | There is a lack of conclusive evidence that echinacea is of significant value for the treatment or prevention of either colds or flu. Findings from clinical studies have been inconsistent (Shah et al. 2007; National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) 2012a; MedlinePlus 2013b). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Echinacea." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea | |
Score | 3.5 | |
3. | Common misconception | Ginseng gives a sense of well-being and increased stamina and improves mental and physical performance. |
Example | http://www.canadianvitaminshop.com | |
Accurate statement | There is a lack of solid evidence supporting this (NCCAM 2012a; Vogler, Pittler, and Ernst 1999). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Ginseng." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng | |
Score | 4 | |
Non-herbal Supplements | ||
4. | Common misconception | Taking supplements of glucosamine or chondroitin (either separately or in combination) is of significant value for the treatment of osteoarthritis. |
Examples | Advertising supplement in newspaper http://www.canadianvitaminshop.com | |
Accurate statement | These substances do not provide clinically useful improvement (Wandel et al. 2010). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Glucosamine." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine "Chondroitin sulphate." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondroitin_sulfate |
|
Score | 5 (Glucosamine); 4 (Chondroitin); mean = 4.5 | |
5. | Common misconception | Calcium supplements are completely safe. |
Example | http://www.nutracalcium.com | |
Accurate statement | Evidence indicates that calcium supplements may cause an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Bolland et al. 2011; Xiao et al. 2013). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Calcium." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium | |
Score | 4.5 | |
General Nutrition | ||
6. | Common misconception | Tea and coffee have a diuretic action which may therefore lead to dehydration. |
Example | http://www.buzzle.com/articles/diuretic-tea.html | |
Accurate statement | Regular use of tea and coffee does not cause a diuretic action (Maughan and Griffin 2003). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Caffeine." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine | |
Score | 5 | |
7. | Common misconception | People should drink at least seven glasses of water a day for health. |
Example | http://www.organicnutrition.co.uk/water.htm | |
Accurate statement | The large majority of people can obtain all the water they need from food and regular drinks (Mayo Clinic 2011). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Water." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water | |
Score | 5 | |
8. | Common misconception | Compared with conventionally grown foods, organic foods are better for the health as they do not contain pesticides. |
Example | http://www.beyondpesticides.org/organicfood/health | |
Accurate statement | Organic foods may contain less pesticide residue, but the difference is very small and unlikely to have any effect on health (Smith-Spangler et al. 2012). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Organic food." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_food | |
Score | 4 | |
9. | Common misconception | Sugar can sometimes make children hyperactive. |
Example | http://nancyappleton.com/141-reasons-sugar-ruins-your-health | |
Accurate statement | There is only weak supporting evidence for this (Kanarek 1994). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Hyperactivity." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperactivity "Sucrose." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucrose "Sugar." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar "Diet and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_and_attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder |
|
Score | 4 (Hyperactivity); 3 (Sucrose); 4.5 (Sugar); 5 (Diet and ADHD); mean = 4.1 | |
10. | Common misconception | Supplements of vitamin D are of value, especially for middle-aged and older women, to improve bone mineral density. |
Examples |
http://www.nutritionexpress.com/vitamins+minerals/vitamin+d3 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/929.html |
|
Accurate statement | Clinical studies provide little support for this view (Reid, Bolland, and Grey 2014). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Osteoporosis." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoporosis "Vitamin D." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D | |
Score | 3 (Osteoporosis); 5 (Vitamin D); mean = 4 | |
11. | Common misconception | Supplements containing high doses of vitamin C help prevent the common cold. |
Examples |
http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v02n01.shtml http://defendingthetruth.com/healthcare/23746-vitamin-c-prevents-treats-common-cold.html |
|
Accurate statement | There is much evidence that disproves this view (MedlinePlus 2013d). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Common cold." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold "Vitamin C." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C "Vitamin C and the common cold." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Vitamin_C_and_the_common_cold "Vitamin C megadosage." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Vitamin_C_megadosage |
|
Score | 5 (all 4 entries) | |
12. | Common misconception | Supplements of beta-carotene help improve health or prevent disease. |
Examples |
http://mokuaben08.hubpages.com/hub/Anti-aging-Wonders-and-other-Health-Benefits-of-Beta-Carotene-Everyone-Should-Know http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2804006.html http://healing.answers.com/physical-health/the-healing-powers-of-beta-carotene-supplements |
|
Accurate statement | Clinical trials have failed to show benefits from supplements of betacarotene, such as reduced risk of cancer or heart disease (MedlinePlus 2013a). | |
Wikipedia entries | "beta-carotene.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta-Carotene "Carotene." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carotene |
|
Score | 3 (beta-carotene); 4 (Carotene); mean = 3.5 | |
13. | Common misconception | Supplements of hoodia suppress the appetite and help achieve weight loss. |
Examples |
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060930155402AATBlbz http://www.herbalhealer.com/hoodia.html http://www.wvruralhealthpolicy.org/hoodia-faq |
|
Accurate statement | There is very little supporting evidence for this claim (NCCAM 2012b). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Hoodia gordonii." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodia_gordonii | |
Score | 5 | |
14. | Common misconception | Food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may pose a risk to health. |
Examples |
http://www.charismamag.com/life/health/18898-are-genetically-modified-foods-harmful-or-helpful http://www.globalresearch.ca/potential-health-hazards-of-genetically-engineered-foods/8148 http://www.wanttoknow.info/health/genetically_modified_foods_gm_harmful |
|
Accurate statement | There is no credible supporting evidence for this view (Friedman 2013). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Genetically modified food controversies." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies | |
Score | 5 | |
15. | Common misconception | Bottled water is safer than tap water. |
Examples |
http://www.canadianliving.com/health/nutrition/the_healthiest_water_to_drink.php http://www.naturalhydrationcouncil.org.uk/about-us/faqs-on-bottled-water |
|
Accurate statement | Tap water is perfectly safe and may be safer than bottled water (Health Canada 2010). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Bottled water." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottled_water | |
Score | 5 | |
16. | Common misconception | A person’s blood type is related to their risk for several diseases. A person’s optimal diet depends on their blood type. |
Examples |
http://www.aqua4balance.com/Healthy-Diet/blood-type-nutrition-educational-workshop.html#.UpzWNBBX_bo http://healthysolutions101.com/services/blood-type http://www.netfit.co.uk/dieting/advice/blood-group-diet.htm |
|
Accurate statement | There is no credible supporting evidence for this view (Cusack et al.2013). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Blood type diet." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_type_diet | |
Score | 5 | |
Cancer | ||
17. | Common misconception | Adding extra dietary fibre to the diet reduces the risk of colon cancer. |
Examples |
http://newhope360.com/supply-news-amp-analysis/dietary-fiber-does-help-prevent-colon-cancer-says-harvard-mens-health-watch http://www.thebetterhealthstore.com/News/Fiber062801.html |
|
Accurate statement | People who habitually consume a diet with a high fibre content have a reduced risk of colon cancer. However, a cause-and-effect relationship has not been firmly established. | |
Wikipedia entries | "Dietary fiber." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_fiber "Fibre supplements." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibre_supplements |
|
Score | 4 (both entries) | |
18. | Common misconception | Women aged 40–49 should be screened for breast cancer by use of regular mammograms. |
Example | http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-detection | |
Accurate statement | The overall benefit of breast cancer screening in women aged 40–49 is highly controversial. Many experts argue that women in this age group should not be screened as the harm (because of false positives and resulting unnecessary treatment) is greater than the benefit (reduced risk of death from breast cancer; Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care et al. 2011). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Breast cancer screening." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer_screening "Mammography." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammography |
|
Score | 5 (both entries) | |
19. | Common misconception | Screening for prostate cancer can often detect the disease at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful. |
Example | http://www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/healthprostate.html | |
Accurate statement | Screening for prostate cancer has very little effect on the risk of death (Djulbegovic et al. 2010). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Prostate cancer screening." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostate_cancer_screening | |
Score | 5 | |
Cardiovascular Disease | ||
20. | Common misconception | Supplements of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 lower the blood level of homocysteine and therefore help prevent heart disease. |
Example | Cook, S. and O.M. Hess. 2005. "Homocysteine and B Vitamins." Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 170: 325–38. |
|
Accurate statement | Supplements of these B vitamins can lower the blood level of homocysteine. However, this does not lead to a reduced risk of heart disease (Martí-Carvajal et al. 2013). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Homocysteine." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homocysteine "Folic acid." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folic_acid "Vitamin B6." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B6 |
|
Score | 4 (Homocysteine); 5 (Folic acid); 3 (Vitamin B6); mean = 4 | |
21. | Common misconception | Adding olive oil to the diet lowers the blood cholesterol level and helps prevent heart disease. |
Examples |
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307113_4,00.html http://www.filippoberio.com/yourhealth http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-health-benefits |
|
Accurate statement | Olive oil lowers the blood cholesterol level only if it replaces saturated fat. It does not lower the blood cholesterol level if it replaces polyunsaturated fat or carbohydrates. There is no direct clinical trial evidence demonstrating that olive oil prevents heart disease (Flock and Kris-Etherton 2012). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Olive oil." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_oil "Mediterranean diet." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_diet "Monounsaturated fat." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monounsaturated_fat |
|
Score | 5 (Olive oil); 5 (Mediterranean diet); 4 (Monounsaturated fat); mean = 4.7 | |
22. | Common misconception | Red wine is more effective than other types of alcoholic beverages for preventing heart disease. |
Examples |
http://www.ynhh.org/about-us/red_wine.aspx http://www.advisor.com/story/how-red-wine-apples-help-prevent-cancer-heart-disease |
|
Accurate statement | All types of alcoholic beverage are protective against heart disease. There is little evidence that red wine is more protective than other alcoholic beverages (Mukamal et al. 2005; Rimm et al. 1996). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Alcohol and cardiovascular disease." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_and_cardiovascular_disease "Health effects of wine." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_wine |
|
Score | 4.5 (Alcohol and cardiovascular disease); 3.5 (Health effects of wine); mean = 4 | |
Complementary and Alternative Medicine | ||
23. | Common misconception | Acupuncture is probably a useful treatment of addiction disorders, such as alcohol dependence and smoking. |
Examples |
http://www.acupuncture.com/Conditions/addict.htm http://www.pacificcollege.edu/acupuncture-massage-news/articles/1034-acupuncture-for-nicotine-addiction.html |
|
Accurate statement | There is little solid evidence supporting this (Cho and Whang 2009; White et al. 2011). | |
Wikipedia entries | "Cocaine dependence." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine_dependence "Smoking cessation." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_cessation |
|
Score | 5 (both entries) | |
24. | Common misconception | Iridology is of value for helping to diagnose various diseases. |
Example | http://www.healingwithiridology.com | |
Accurate statement | There is no evidence supporting this (Munstedt et al. 2005). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Iridology." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridology | |
Score | 5 | |
25. | Common misconception | Chelation therapy is effective in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. |
Example | http://www.naturopathyclinic.com/chelation.php | |
Accurate statement | There is no evidence supporting this (Lamas and Hussein 2006). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Chelation therapy." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelation_therapy | |
Score | 5 | |
26. | Common misconception | Various treatments (especially herbal products) can accelerate detoxification so that the body is cleansed and health improved. |
Examples |
http://www.canadianvitaminshop.com Advertising supplement in newspaper |
|
Accurate statement | There is virtually no supporting evidence (Ernst and Singh 2009). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Detoxification." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detoxification_(alternative_medicine) | |
Score | 5 | |
27. | Common misconception | Reflexology is effective in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. |
Examples |
http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology http://www.reflexologykelowna.ca http://mettamassage.com/reflexology |
|
Accurate statement | The majority of clinical trials failed to show a benefit from treatment with reflexology, but several trials did report positive findings (Ernst, Posadzki, and Lee 2011). The scientific rationale for reflexology is very weak. Based on the evidence as a whole reflexology should not be recommended. | |
Wikipedia entry | "Reflexology." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology | |
Score | 4.5 | |
28. | Common misconception | Reiki is effective for stress reduction, improvement of health, and the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. |
Examples |
http://www.reiki.ca/faqs.htm http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html http://www.innerfocus.ca |
|
Accurate statement | Some clinical trials reported positive findings (vanderVaart et al. 2009; So, Jiang, and Qin 2008). However, the scientific rationale for reiki is very weak. Based on the evidence as a whole the effectiveness of reiki is not proven, and it should not be recommended. | |
Wikipedia entry | "Reiki." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki | |
Score | 5 | |
29. | Common misconception | Homeopathy is an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions. |
Examples |
http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/about-homeopathy/what-is-homeopathy http://www.homeocentre.ca http://www.electrahealthfloor.com/homeopathy-downtown-vancouver/index.html |
|
Accurate statement | Some clinical trials reported positive findings (Fisher 2011). However, the scientific rationale for homeopathy is very weak. Based on the evidence as a whole the effectiveness of homeopathy is not proven, and it should not be recommended (Bewley et al. 2011). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Homeopathy." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeopathy | |
Score | 5 | |
Health: General | ||
30. | Common misconception | MMR vaccine (which inoculates children against measles, mumps, and rubella/German measles) causes autism in children. |
Examples |
http://www.naturalnews.com/041897_mmr_vaccines_autism_court_ruling.html http://www.trueactivist.com/courts-quietly-confirm-mmr-vaccine-causes-autism http://www.activistpost.com/2013/09/22-medical-studies-that-show-vaccines.html |
|
Accurate statement | There is no credible evidence supporting this (American Academy of Pediatrics 2013). | |
Wikipedia entry | "MMR vaccine controversy." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMR_vaccine_controversy | |
Score | 5 | |
31. | Common misconception | Stomach ulcers are caused by stress. |
Examples |
http://voices.yahoo.com/stomach-ulcers-other-stress-related-ailments-are-168761.html http://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-the-Symptoms-of-Stomach-Ulcers http://dherbs.com/news/4824/4669/Ulcers/d,ai.html#.UpuXBhBX_bo |
|
Accurate statement | The major cause of stomach ulcers is an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Stress is not a major cause, although some evidence suggests that it may aggravate the problem (MedlinePlus 2013c). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Peptic ulcer." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peptic_ulcer | |
Score | 5 | |
32. | Common misconception | Whitening teeth artificially is safe. |
Examples |
http://www.beautybarlaserclinic.com/teeth-whitening http://complexionsbykate.com/TeethWhitening.html http://www.skinstore.com/gosmile-tooth-whiteners.aspx |
|
Accurate statement | There is a lack of good clinical data and longitudinal studies to show the potential adverse effects of whitening teeth (Canadian Dental Association 2013; Scientific Commission on Consumer Products of the European Commission 2007). | |
Wikipedia entry | "Tooth bleaching." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_bleaching | |
Score | 5 |
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