Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most widespread nutritional deficiency worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and readability of Arabic web-based resources on IDA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, infodemiological descriptive study was conducted using validated assessment tools. A web-based search was performed on July 8, 2025, and the collected websites were evaluated using validated assessment tools, including DISCERN, JAMA, FKGL, SMOG, and FRE. RESULTS: Of 36 included websites, most were from medical institutions or health portals. Overall reliability was limited (mean JAMA score 1.39 ± 0.96), and no website met all JAMA criteria. Website quality was generally moderate (DISCERN 39.72 ± 8.83), with governmental and public health websites performing poorly (p < 0.001). Readability was high (FKGL 3.65 ± 3.58; SMOG 3.26 ± 0.79; FRE ≥ 80 in 97.2%). JAMA and DISCERN scores were positively correlated (ρ = 0.430, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Arabic-language web resources on IDA are easily readable but demonstrate significant deficiencies in quality and reliability. This pronounced gap may contribute to misinformation, delayed care-seeking, and suboptimal management. Collaboration between medical institutions, public health organizations, and digital platforms will be essential for developing standardized, evidence-based patient education materials, which could support earlier intervention and help reduce the public health burden of IDA in Arabic-speaking communities.