Participatory evaluation of the quality of health information on the internet: the case of dengue sites.

The world has witnessed a powerful and radical transformation of social, economic and cultural relationships promoted by the Internet. The Internet provides opportunities for access, dissemination and production of information worldwide. Health, for example, stands out as one of the main areas with information of interest to a growing number of users. However, this information is often unsatisfactory, incorrect or incomprehensible. This paper analyzes an experiment of evaluation of information on dengue websites developed in a laboratory of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. It counted on the participation of a group of Manguinhos dwellers and Public Health PHC physicians, infectious disease specialists and public health physicians in the development of criteria and the evaluation of websites. This paper shows the main results of this experience, which is innovative because its paper and product differ from those proposed by national and foreign agencies and analysts. This experience supports the establishment of an institutional process that issues a quality seal to websites that comply with the suggested criteria and indicators.