Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study the quality of the websites of associations for people with polio and post-polio syndrome as an example of an important method for exchanging information and promoting the social visibility of physically disabled people. A descriptive cross-sectional study of 375 sites that met inclusion criteria, found using of the Google search engine, was carried out. The quality was studied through 22 variables, 8 of which make up the "Credibility Indicator". None of the websites met all the quality criteria nor all 8 items in the Credibility Index. A positive correlation between the variables of quality and credibility criteria (Pearson r = 0.81, p<0.001) was observed, therefore the Credibility Index is suggested as a useful tool for determining the quality of the websites. However, this tool must be supplemented with other qualitative approaches that explore both the contexts of lay-expert relationships and the function these sites serve.