Analysis of Internet-Based Health Assessments

Health-assessment tools assist practitioners in developing interventions to promote health. An increasing number of online health assessments have evolved recently, creating a need to evaluate for usefulness and effectiveness. This study reviewed 42 online health assessments based on recommendations developed by the Scientific Panel on Interactive Communication and Health. Four types of health assessments were reviewed, with Health Status/Positive Well-Being types, as a whole, demonstrating the highest scores. At least 75% of all sites received maximum scores for items related to background of developers and sponsors, purpose of site, and site design. Fewer than 1 of 5 sites received a maximum score for content issues, confidentiality, and evaluation results and effectiveness. Particularly poor scores were received for the evaluation criteria. Developers of online health assessments need to modify sites to incorporate evaluation results and effectiveness. Practitioners need to be cautious in using sites with no reported evaluation efforts.