Friday, January 23, 2009

Getting Started: Why don't teenagers breastfeed? Website Critique

I'm going to get started on critiquing some websites on the topic of Breastfeeding in Adolescents. I started out with a google search and MANY items came up (including blogs, sites to sell pumps, and many advertisements). The purpose of this website critique is to look for REPUTABLE websites that are evidence-based and targeted for my online community (pregnant teenagers). I am planning on developing and online community that will teach the benefits of breastfeeding, the "how-to" demonstrations, and an online support group.

Here's my first website: http://breastfeeding.about.com/od/pregnancyandbreastfeeding/a/teens.htm

This website had great content, but I found all the advertisements very distracting. So, I don't think the design was very appealing.
I wish I could turn the advertisements off, but I'm sure that the advertisers are supporting the site financially.

There was clear disclosure of the authors and sponsors. The source was from a peer-reviewed journal and there was also a listing of members of the Medical Review Board who were all MDs (unfortunately, no nurses sadly). The information seemed fairly current (2009 date at bottom), but the source cited was from 1987. I guess breastfeeding hasn't changed much in the past 100 years.

Most of the links worked for additional information and related articles. I think the online streaming videos were quite informative and accurate. There was also a newsletter and an active blog for questions. The blog also had many newsfeeds about policy on breastfeeding practices (facebook doesn't allow breastfeeding pictures, breast pumps were considered security breaches at an airport).
The intended audience is probably both health care professionals and also the lay public.

overall, this website is a possibility for my online course. It had good information, but was very busy and distracting.

I am following the criteria from the Website Critique Blog Assignment and will review:
Content of Site
Design and aesthetics
Disclosure of authors, sponsors, developers
Information currency
Authority of sources
Ease of use
Accessibility and availability
Intended Audience
Contact addresses
User support
Miscellaneous