Transparency of 157 patient and consumer groups’ websites.

*organizations not included in other categories: e.g. growth hormone deficiency, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, prevention of blindness.
**reference varies among organizations: some describe the activities funded in detail, others only mention them. Some report this information only in brochures of events or activities.
°percentages refer to the organizations reporting funded activities. More than one answer was possible.
The transparency of patient and consumer groups’ websites was assessed in terms of: disclosure of drug companies providing funds, amount of funds, activities funded; accessibility of sponsorship information; availability of a code of conduct about sponsorship; links to drug companies’ websites; presence of banner advertisings; clear separation of marketing content; availability of a financial report.
Disclosure information are reported for all the groups and by disease of interest.