YouTube as a source of information for arteriovenous malformations: A content-quality and optimization analysis

YouTube as a Source for Arabic-Speaking Parent Education on the Oral Hygiene of Children: A Social Media Content Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Much primary prevention in public health dentistry depends on parents' having accurate knowledge about pediatric oral health. In areas with minimal education levels and few oral health professionals, information on this topic is available from the widespread use of the social medial resource YouTube. This study assessed the quality and viewer engagement of YouTube Arabic videos on pediatric oral health practices.

METHODS

Using standard procedures to search YouTube, we identified Arabic-language pediatric oral health videos. A social media content analysis was conducted and videos analyzed for viewer engagement metrics, country of origin, and creator occupation. The DISCERN instrument was used to evaluate video quality, reliability, and information quality; statistical correlations were examined between these parameters and video statistics.

RESULTS

A majority of the 47 videos that were identified originated from Egypt and were created by pediatric dentists, attracting an average of 13,328.7 views and 218.7 likes. Quality assessment found 61.7% of videos with moderate quality; 63.8% had only medium levels of reliability (63.8%) and 63.8% medium information quality (63.8%); only a minor segment achieving high reliability and information quality. Correlation analysis revealed a positive but weak association between DISCERN scores and viewer engagement metrics (e.g., likes, comments, views), suggesting that while better quality videos tend to engage more viewers, other factors also contribute to engagement. Additionally, a stronger correlation was noted between the overall quality of videos and both information quality and reliability, indicating that videos with higher-quality content were perceived as more reliable and informative by viewers.

CONCLUSION

While a significant volume of pediatric oral health content is available online, variability in quality highlights the need for stringent evidence-based standards to ensure the provision of reliable, quality educational materials.

YouTube as a Source of Patient Information for Cervical Spine Fractures: A Content Quality and Audience Engagement Analysis

This study aimed to assess the quality of YouTube (YT) videos providing medical information on cervical spine fractures; secondly, a comparison of two timeframes has been conducted. Using Google Chrome with privacy settings to minimize personalization, two searches were conducted on 20 July 2021 and the second one on 10 April 2024 using various terms related to cervical spine injuries. Videos were evaluated using the DISCERN (Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information), GQS (Global Quality Score), and JAMA scoring systems. In total, 91 videos were included. Mechanisms of injury were the most frequent video content (n = 66), and postoperative pain occurred the least (n = 6). The mean DISCERN score of 43.26 (std = 11.25), mean GQS of 2.67 (std = 0.74), and mean JAMA score was 2.2 (std = 0.68). Inclusion of treatment options had an odd ratio of 21.72 for a better-quality video. The largest number of videos was provided by physicians (n = 24). In DISCERN, risks of treatment were graded lowest = 1.9. Newer videos achieved higher scores in the DISCERN, GQS, and JAMA scoring systems reaching 52.5, 3, and 2.75, respectively. These scores suggest inadequate information provision in the videos, hindering patients' understanding of their condition. Due to insufficient information presented in current videos, patients are not fully informed.

Online Videos Regarding Relevant Postoperative Patient Information and Postoperative Rehabilitation After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Provide Poor Information Quality, Accuracy, and Reliability

PURPOSE

To evaluate the information quality, accuracy, and reliability of YouTube videos regarding relevant postoperative patient information and postoperative rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

By use of The Onion Router (TOR) software and predefined search terms, 102 videos were assessed. Four scoring systems were used to evaluate included videos: (1) Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria score; (2) Global Quality Score (GQS); (3) DISCERN score; and (4) a newly developed score, the Rotator Cuff Score (RCS). The RCS (0-30 points) was built based on the latest published evidence and guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Videos that scored up to 9 points were regarded as poor-quality videos.

RESULTS

Most of the included videos provided poor information quality, accuracy, and reliability. Videos that were uploaded by medically trained professionals showed significantly better results for all scores compared with commercial or personal-testimony videos (JAMA benchmark criteria score, P < .001; GQS, P < .001; DISCERN score, P = .001; and RCS, P = .001). Multivariate linear regression showed that the involvement of medically trained professionals was a significant predictor of better results for all scores (JAMA benchmark criteria score, β = 1.496 [P < .001]; GQS, β = 1.105 [P < .001]; DISCERN score, β = 11.234 [P < .001]; and RCS, β = 5.017 [P < .001]). Surprisingly, the like ratio was significantly higher for videos that were uploaded by non-medically trained individuals (P = .041).

CONCLUSIONS

The average information quality, accuracy, and reliability of YouTube videos regarding relevant postoperative patient information and postoperative rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are poor. Videos from medically trained professionals provide significantly higher information quality; however, even these videos lack important information for a better understanding of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Because of the lack of a peer-review process, available videos on YouTube regarding relevant postoperative patient information and postoperative rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are of low quality, accuracy, and reliability. However, patients increasingly visit YouTube to gather medical knowledge. Physicians should enlighten patients about these findings and should be able to provide alternative sources of high-quality information.

The Most Popular YouTube Videos About Shoulder Replacement Are of Poor Quality for Patient Education

Purpose

To characterize the quality of YouTube total shoulder arthroplasty videos as a source of patient information using the DISCERN instrument.

Methods

An analysis of the YouTube video library was performed, using a string of 6 search terms related to "total shoulder replacement" and "total shoulder arthroplasty" in the YouTube search engine. The first 20 videos from each search (n = 120) were selected. The top 25 most viewed videos were compiled, screened, and evaluated with the DISCERN score in the final analysis. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess the correlation of DISCERN scores and video characteristics. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with the conger kappa score for multiple raters.

Results

Twenty-five videos met inclusion criteria, 13 (52%) were produced by academic institutions, 7 (28%) by physicians, and 5 (20%) by commercial entities. Median total DISCERN score was 33 out of 80 (IQR: 28-44). The overall total DISCERN scores, showed no correlation with video likes or views and was negatively correlated with video power index (r = -0.75, P = .001). No association between total shoulder arthroscopy video source and DISCERN score could be demonstrated. All videos analyzed scored poorly by the DISCERN instrument.

Conclusions

The current most popular shoulder replacement videos on YouTube are low-quality patient education resources. Furthermore, our study found no correlation between video popularity, as measured by the number of views and the DISCERN score.

Clinical Relevance

Successful outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty may be influenced by the quality of information patients receive.

Quality analysis of YouTube videos on mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVES

Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability. Mechanical thrombectomy can effectively treat large artery occlusions. This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and usefulness of videos on mechanical thrombectomy on YT using quantitative and qualitative analyses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Video searches were performed by entering the following keywords into the YT search bar: "endovascular thrombectomy," "endovascular treatment of acute stroke," "mechanical thrombectomy," "stroke stent retriever," and "stent retriever thrombectomy." For each search term, the top 35 videos were reviewed. The videos were analyzed by two independent raters using the DISCERN and JAMA scoring systems. Qualitative and quantitative data were recorded for each video.

RESULTS

A total of 150 videos were analyzed. The mean DISCERN score was 41.26, and the mean JAMA score was 1.42. Of the videos, 5.3% were categorized as very poor, 33.3% as poor, 44% as fair, 12% as good, and 5.3% as excellent. The videos that included qualitative features, such as clear information, symptomatology, diagnosis, treatment response, prognosis, etiology, epidemiology, diagram, and radiological image, had significantly higher DISCERN and JAMA scores than their counterparts.

CONCLUSION

A reliable and useful content is not available for individuals searching for information on mechanical thrombectomy on YT. In this paper, we highlighted key points for content creators to increase the quality and audience engagement statistics of their videos. Information provided in YT videos should be verified using more reliable sources.

Evaluation of the Reliability and Quality of YouTube Video Content about Perianal Fistulas

OBJECTIVE

Perianal fistulas of the perianal soft tissues are an important cause of morbidity and a significant portion of colorectal surgery. To our knowledge, there is no study evaluating YouTube videos pertaining perianal fistulas. In this study, we aimed to evaluate YouTube video contents on this topic.

METHODS

Whether the videos contained real images, animations or presentations, video duration, number of views, comments and likes, uploading date, and daily view were recorded. Reliability of the videos was assessed using the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN) scale and quality of the videos using the Global Quality Score (GQS).

RESULTS

A total of 100 YouTube videos regarding perianal fistulas were included in the study. Sixty-four (64%) videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals and 36 (36%) videos by nonprofessionals. The mean video length was calculated as 6.70 ± 8.00 minutes for all videos. The mean DISCERN score of all videos was found as 3.92 ± 0.81 and the mean GQS score as 3.97 ± 0.83. According to the DISCERN score, most videos included (94%) were of good quality. There was an excellent agreement between the two surgeons in terms of the DISCERN and GQS scores.

CONCLUSION

Most of the videos included in the study were uploaded by health-care professionals. On the other hand, the majority of the videos contained surgical management of perianal fistulas as it is the definitive treatment. Healthcare related content should be audited and filtered by YouTube with new and effective policies.

Content and quality analysis of videos about multiple sclerosis on social media: The case of YouTube

BACKGROUND

YouTube (YT) has grown into the largest online video platform across the world. Known to have more than two billion users of all ages, YT also serves as an important educational tool and information source for patients and their families. YT videos have the potential to influence patients' understanding of their diagnoses and treatment decision-making.

METHODS

Videos were identified using the keywords "multiple sclerosis," "multiple sclerosis treatment," "relapsing remitting MS," and "central demyelinating disorder" in the YT search bar. For each search term, the top 30 videos were reviewed. The videos were analyzed by two independent raters using the DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) scoring systems. Qualitative and quantitative data were recorded for each video.

RESULTS

A total of 99 videos were analyzed. The mean DISCERN score was 43.44 out of 75 possible points, and the mean Global Quality Scale (GQS) score was 2.77 out of 5 possible points. Of all the videos, 14.1, 29.3, 15.2, and 29.3% were categorized as very poor, poor, moderate, good, and excellent, respectively. Videos that included qualitative features such as clear information; information related to symptomatology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, treatment response, and epidemiology; and diagrams and radiological images had significantly higher scale scores. Audience engagement parameters were significantly higher for videos containing animation, treatment response, and radiological images.

CONCLUSION

We maintain that sufficient, reliable, and useful content is not provided for those seeking information on YT about MS. Everyone seeking information about MS should always verify information provided in YT videos using more reliable sources of information. Video producers should optimize their videos to contain high-quality and reliable data and to attract larger audiences.

YouTube as a Source of Patient Information for Meningiomas: A Content Quality and Audience Engagement Analysis

YouTube (YT) has become a popular health information reservoir. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the content and quality of YT videos as a source of patient information for meningiomas. A YT search was conducted for the following terms: “meningioma”, “meningiomas”, “meningeal tumor”, and “psammoma”. A total of 119 videos were examined by five independent raters, using validated quality criteria, including the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), the Journal of the American Medical Association instrument (JAMA), and the Global Quality Score (GQS). The mean DISCERN score was 35.6 points, while the mean GQS and JAMA scores were 2.4 and 1.8, respectively. The majority of the videos were produced in the United States (37.82%). Moreover, 47.9% of the evaluated videos were graded as “poor” and only 9.24% were “good”. Statistically higher scores in all three scoring systems were associated with the following information: tumor localization, clinical manifestations, indications for surgery, treatment options, risks, adjuvant therapies, results, follow up, diagrams, and those that featured a doctor as the speaker. Misleading information was presented in 35 productions. Our findings show that the overall quality of YT on the topic of meningiomas is defective, and requires further improvement and evaluation.

Assessment of the Quality and Reliability of Intragastric Balloon Videos on YouTube

PURPOSE

There is no mechanism to control the accuracy and quality of videos on YouTube. However, it is essential to evaluate the quality of videos on YouTube to prevent patients from accessing misleading information. The aim of this study was to assess the quality and reliability of the videos available on YouTube concerning intragastric balloon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

YouTube was searched using the keywords "intragastric balloon" and "gastric balloon." A total of 158 videos were independently analyzed by two bariatric surgeons-endoscopists and were classified as reliable or non-reliable. Video demographics (view, view per day, like, dislike, comment) were analyzed according to the quality and source of the video. The video power index (VPI) was calculated for each video. The modified DISCERN and global quality scores (GQS) were used to rate the reliability and overall quality of the videos.

RESULTS

Of the included videos, 63.9% were described reliable and 36.1% as non-reliable. The median number of dislikes, comments, views, views per day, and video duration on YouTube did not significantly differ between the two reliability groups. The mean length of the videos, GQS and DISCERN scores, and the median number of likes were significantly higher in the reliable group. The highest median VPI value was determined for the videos uploaded by TV programs.

CONCLUSION

The number of reliable videos is higher than non-reliable about intragastric balloon on YouTube. However, the reliability and quality of the videos are generally low. The videos uploaded by TV programs are significantly more popular.

Quality and Reliability Analysis of Essential Tremor Disease Information on Social Media: The Study of YouTube

Background

YouTube has evolved into an important educational tool and information source for patients and their families. YouTube videos have the potential to influence the patients' health-related diagnosis and treatment decision-making. We aimed to evaluate the quality and usefulness of videos on essential tremor available on YouTube using quantitative instruments.

Methods

Video searches were performed by typing the keywords 'essential tremor', 'postural tremor', 'action tremor', 'essential tremor hand', and 'essential tremor head' into the YouTube search bar. The top 30 videos were reviewed for each search term. The videos were analyzed by two independent raters using the DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) scoring systems. Qualitative and quantitative data were recorded for each video.

Results

A total of 83 videos were analyzed. The mean DISCERN score was 41.96 out of 75 possible points, and the mean GQS score was 2.97 out of 5 possible points. Twelve percent of the videos were categorized as very poor, 38.6% as poor, 20.5% as fair, 19.3% as good, and 9.6% as excellent. The videos containing qualitative content features, such as clear information, symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, treatment response, epidemiology, diagrams, and radiological images had significantly higher DISCERN and GQS scores.

Discussion

We consider that reliable and useful content is not provided on YouTube for individuals searching for information on essential tremor. We listed the best-quality videos on this topic as a reference for healthcare practitioners and patients. Patients should always verify information provided in such videos through more reliable sources.

Use of YouTube to watch health-related videos and participation in online support groups among US adults with heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension

Objective

Social media use has grown over time. However, it is unclear how people with a self-reported history of cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease-related risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension use social media.

Methods

Data from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 4) were analyzed (N = 3865). Only respondents with complete data for all variables of interest were included in the analyses, resulting in 306 respondents with a heart condition, 1291 with hypertension, and 608 with diabetes. We explored associations between two dependent variables: (1) participated in an online forum or support group and (2) watched a health-related video on YouTube, and sociodemographic factors and patient-provider communication. Analyses were conducted separately by medical condition. Odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and p-values were calculated.

Results

In respondents with a heart condition, hypertension, or diabetes, 5.4%, 8.4%, and 10.3% had participated in an online support group and 29.6%, 40.4%, and 36.6% had watched health-related videos on YouTube, respectively. Univariately, the odds of using online support groups was associated with younger age (vs. > = 65) in people with a heart condition and hypertension, but not diabetes. Regarding YouTube, younger age was associated with watching health-related videos across all three medical conditions, with additional gender and education associations observed in those with hypertension. There were no associations between social media use and patient-provider communication.

Conclusions

These findings may inform the selection of social media platforms for behavioral interventions depending on the intended patient population and goals (e.g. social support vs. video-based health education).