Fiction, Falsehoods, and Few Facts: Cross-Sectional Study on the Content-Related Quality of Atopic Eczema-Related Videos on YouTube

Disease-Related Internet Use and its Relevance to the Patient-Physician Relationship in Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Germany

Background: Health-related internet use presents both opportunities and challenges for patients and physicians and requires a comprehensive understanding to improve individual health care in atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective: To explore differences between regular and irregular disease-related internet users, reasons for disease-related internet use, and its relevance to the patient-physician relationship in AD. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 221 adults with AD online and from a German university clinic between August 2021 and February 2022. The questionnaire queried sociodemographic and disease-related information, reasons for and against using the internet, types of channels used, and the impact on the patient-physician relationship. Participants were categorized as regular (≥once per month) and irregular ( Collapse

Key Words Collapse

MESH Headings Collapse

Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Fabian Wallnöfer From the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Stefanie Ziehfreund From the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Hannah Wecker From the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Barbara Schuster From the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Linda Tizek From the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Alphina Kain From the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Tilo Biedermann From the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
Alexander Zink From the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Collapse

Assessment of the reliability and quality of breast cancer related videos on TikTok and Bilibili: cross-sectional study in China

Background

As the most common malignant tumor in the world, breast cancer also brings a huge disease burden to China. Ordinary people are increasingly inclined to use the Internet, especially video social platforms, as a source of health information. Educating the public to obtain correct information is important to reduce the incidence of breast cancer and improve the prognosis. However, the quality and reliability of breast cancer-related video content have not been fully studied.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the quality of the information of breast cancer-related videos on TikTok and Bilibili video sharing platforms and factors related to video quality.

Methods

We collected the top 100 videos about breast cancer on TikTok and Bilibili, respectively. Categorize videos according to video source and video content. Video quality and reliability were assessed using Global Quality Score (GQS) and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tools. We also analyzed the correlation between video quality and video likes, comments, saves, and shares.

Results

Although the quality and reliability of Bilibili's breast cancer videos were higher than TikTok (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively), the video quality of both video sharing platforms was not satisfactory, with a median GQS scores of 2.00 and 3.00 and mDISCERN scores of 1.00 and 2.00, respectively. In general, the quality and reliability of videos released by medical practitioners were higher than those of non-medical practitioners, and the quality and reliability of videos covering disease-related knowledge were higher than those of news reports (all p < 0.001). Among medical practitioners, the quality of videos uploaded by doctors in breast disease was significantly lower than that of doctors in other areas (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between video quality and duration (r = 0.240, p < 0.001), a weak negative correlation between video quality and likes (r = 0.191, p < 0.01), video quality and comments (r = 0.256, p < 0.001), video reliability and likes (r = 0.198, p < 0.001), video reliability and comments (r = 0.243, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study shows that the quality and reliability of breast cancer-related videos on TikTok and Bilibili are poor, and the overall quality is unsatisfactory. But videos uploaded by medical practitioners covering disease knowledge, prevention and treatment are of higher quality. Medical practitioners are encouraged to publish more high-quality videos, while video social platforms should formulate relevant policies to censor and supervise health education videos, so as to enable the public to obtain reliable health information.

The quality of information provided by the most popular dementia videos on TikTok

Summary of background

Dementia is among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, having a major impact not only on the affected person but also on all of society. The Internet is a popular and growing source of health-related information for patients, family members, carriers, and physicians. TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms, is an important source for knowledge access and adoption. However, the quality of health information on TikTok has not been sufficiently studied.

Objective

To evaluate the quality of the information provided in the most popular videos on dementia shared on TikTok.

Study design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

The top 100 most popular videos on TikTok obtained by searching the hashtag "dementia" were included in the study and grouped based on their source and content. The popularity of the videos was estimated based on the numbers of likes, comments, and shares. The quality of health-related information was evaluated using the DISCERN score and the Global Quality Score (GQS).

Results

Videos had a median duration of 33.29 s; the median number of likes was 635,100, with a total of 93,698,200 likes, 903,859 comments, and 5,310,912 shares. The source (uploader) of 65% of the videos was family members, while only 4% were uploaded by doctors. The content was lifestyle-related in 62% of the videos, while 12% of the videos were for fun. Videos had a median DISCERN score of 22.5 (IQR 20-27) and a median GQS of 2 (IQR 1-3). The videos uploaded by doctors had the highest quality scores and the lowest popularity.

Conclusion

The most popular dementia videos on TikTok are mostly shared by family members and are of poor quality. Given the major public health issues associated with dementia, experts must provide appropriate and active assistance to patients in interpreting the information identified.

Can co-created knowledge mobilisation interventions alter and enhance mindlines to improve childhood eczema care? A UK-based Social Impact Framework evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of using knowledge mobilisation interventions to alter and enhance mindlines and improve childhood eczema care.

DESIGN

The eczema mindlines study involved three stages: (1) mapping and confirming eczema mindlines, (2) intervention development and delivery and (3) analysis of intervention impact. The focus of this paper is on stage 3. Data analysis was guided by the Social Impact Framework to address the questions: (1) what is the impact of this study on individuals and groups? (2) what changes in behaviour and practice have occurred due to their involvement? (3) what mechanisms have enabled these impacts or changes to occur? and (4) what are the recommendations and questions arising from this research?

SETTINGS

A deprived inner-city neighbourhood in central England and national/international settings.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients, practitioners and wider community members exposed to the interventions locally, nationally and internationally.

RESULTS

Data revealed tangible multi-level, relational and intellectual impacts. Mechanisms supporting impact included: simplicity and consistency of messages adapted to audience, flexibility, opportunism and perseverance, personal interconnectivity and acknowledgement of emotion. Co-created knowledge mobilisation strategies to alter and enhance mindlines mediated through knowledge brokering were effective in producing tangible changes in eczema care practice and self-management and in 'mainstreaming' childhood eczema in positive way across communities. These changes cannot be directly attributed to the knowledge mobilisation interventions, however, the evidence points to the significant contribution made.

CONCLUSION

Co-created knowledge mobilisation interventions offer a valuable method of altering and enhancing eczema mindlines across lay-practitioner-wider society boundaries. The Social Impact Framework provides comprehensive method of understanding and documenting the complex web of impact occurring as a result of knowledge mobilisation. This approach is transferable to managing other long-term conditions.

Sources of online information utilized by caregivers of pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis

There is limited information on the use of websites and social media platforms among dermatology patients. This survey study of 210 children with atopic dermatitis and their caretakers who attended dermatology clinic from 6/1/2020 through 5/1/2021 revealed that 83.8% had used online sources for information related to their condition. There was wide variation in the sources used and the participants' perceived trustworthiness of these. This study highlights the importance of physicians actively engaging with the online sources used by patients with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers during counseling in clinic.

Quality of Information in Gallstone Disease Videos on TikTok: Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

TikTok was an important channel for consumers to access and adopt health information. But the quality of health content in TikTok remains underinvestigated.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to identify upload sources, contents, and feature information of gallstone disease videos on TikTok and further evaluated the factors related to video quality.

METHODS

We investigated the first 100 gallstone-related videos on TikTok and analyzed these videos' upload sources, content, and characteristics. The quality of videos was evaluated using quantitative scoring tools such as DISCERN instrument, the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and Global Quality Scores (GQS). Moreover, the correlation between video quality and video characteristics, including duration, likes, comments, and shares, was further investigated.

RESULTS

According to video sources, 81% of the videos were posted by doctors. Furthermore, disease knowledge was the most dominant video content, accounting for 56% of all the videos. The mean DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores of all 100 videos are 39.61 (SD 11.36), 2.00 (SD 0.40), and 2.76 (SD 0.95), respectively. According to DISCERN and GQS, gallstone-related videos' quality score on TikTok is not high, mainly at fair (43/100, 43%,) and moderate (46/100, 46%). The total DISCERN scores of doctors were significantly higher than that of individuals and news agencies, surgery techniques were significantly higher than lifestyle and news, and disease knowledge was significantly higher than news, respectively. DISCERN scores and video duration were positively correlated. Negative correlations were found between DISCERN scores and likes and shares of videos. In GQS analysis, no significant differences were found between groups based on different sources or different contents. JAMA was excluded in the video quality and correlation analysis due to a lack of discrimination and inability to evaluate the video quality accurately.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the videos of gallstones on TikTok are mainly provided by doctors and contain disease knowledge, they are of low quality. We found a positive correlation between video duration and video quality. High-quality videos received low attention, and popular videos were of low quality. Medical information on TikTok is currently not rigorous enough to guide patients to make accurate judgments. TikTok was not an appropriate source of knowledge to educate patients due to the low quality and reliability of the information.

Translating and Adapting the DISCERN Instrument Into a Simplified Chinese Version and Validating Its Reliability: Development and Usability Study

BACKGROUND

There is a wide variation in the quality of information available to patients on the treatment of the diseases afflicting them. To help patients find clear and accessible information, many scales have been designed to evaluate the quality of health information, including the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool; the Suitability Assessment of Materials for evaluation of health-related information for adults; and DISCERN, an instrument for judging the quality of written consumer health information on treatment choices. These instruments are primarily in English. Few of them have been translated and adapted into simplified Chinese tools for health information assessment in China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to translate and adapt DISCERN into the first simplified Chinese version and validate the psychometric properties of this newly developed scale for judging the quality of patient-oriented health information on treatment choices.

METHODS

First, we translated DISCERN into simplified Chinese using rigorous guidelines for translation and validation studies. We tested the translation equivalence and measured the content validity index. We then presented the simplified Chinese instrument to 3 health educators and asked them to use it to assess the quality of 15 lung cancer-related materials. We calculated the Cohen κ coefficient and Cronbach α for all items and for the entire scale to determine the reliability of the new tool.

RESULTS

We decided on the simplified Chinese version of the DISCERN instrument (C-DISCERN) after resolving all problems in translation, adaptation, and content validation. The C-DISCERN was valid and reliable: the content validity index was 0.98 (47/48, 98% of the items) for clarity and 0.94 (45/48, 94% of the items) for relevance, the Cronbach α for internal consistency was .93 (95% CI 0.699-1.428) for the whole translated scale, and the Cohen κ coefficient for internal consistency was 0.53 (95% CI 0.417-0.698).

CONCLUSIONS

C-DISCERN is the first simplified Chinese version of the DISCERN instrument. Its validity and reliability have been attested to assess the quality of patient-targeted information for treatment choices.

How reliable are YouTube videos on laser-assisted surgical treatment of the gummy smile?

Objectives:

Patients frequently use social media platforms to obtain information on dental treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of the content prepared for patients seeking information on laser-assisted surgical treatment of the gummy smile on the YouTube platform.

Material and Methods:

Videos were searched on YouTube using the keyword “fix gummy smile” in Google Trends. Considering the exclusion criteria, 30 out of 119 videos were selected for the study. Videos were analyzed in terms of general characteristics, video uploader, video content quality (VCQ), video information and quality index (VIQI), and Global Quality Scale (GQS). Statistical significance was established at P < 0.05.

Results:

The average VCQ of the videos was 3.07 ± 1.39 out of a maximum of 30. Most videos (46.7%) were uploaded by dentists and 23.3% by healthcare institutions. Considering the video uploader, no significant difference was found in VCQ, VIQI, and GQS (P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation among the interaction index, the number of likes, and the reliability score (P < 0.05). Moreover, reliability score showed a positively directed association with GQS, total VIQI score, and total VCQ score (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Clinicians who upload content to YouTube should consider the importance and potential of YouTube to provide information to communities and create videos with more intellectual content to facilitate access to accurate information, especially related to health.

Quality Assessment of Hypertension Treatment–Related Information on WeChat: Cross-sectional Study

Background

The WeChat platform has become a primary source for medical information in China. However, no study has been conducted to explore the quality of information on WeChat for the treatment of hypertension, the leading chronic condition.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the quality of information in articles on WeChat that are related to hypertension treatment from the aspects of credibility, concreteness, accuracy, and completeness.

Methods

We searched for all information related to hypertension treatment on WeChat based on several inclusion and exclusion criteria. We used 2 tools to evaluate information quality, and 2 independent reviewers performed the assessment with the 2 tools separately. First, we adopted the DISCERN instrument to assess the credibility and concreteness of the treatment information, with the outcomes classified into five grades: excellent, good, fair, poor, and very poor. Second, we applied the Chinese Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension (2018 edition) to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of the article information with regard to specific medical content. Third, we combined the results from the 2 assessments to arrive at the overall quality of the articles and explored the differences between, and associations of, the 2 independent assessments.

Results

Of the 223 articles that were retrieved, 130 (58.3%) full texts were included. Of these 130 articles, 81 (62.3%) described therapeutic measures for hypertension. The assessment based on the DISCERN instrument reported a mean score of 31.22 (SD 8.46). There were no articles rated excellent (mean score >63); most (111/130, 85.4%) of the articles did not refer to the consequences—in particular, quality of life—of no treatment. For specific medical content, adherence to the Chinese Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension was generally low in terms of accuracy and completeness, and there was much erroneous information. The overall mean quality score was 10.18 (SD 2.22) for the 130 articles, and the scores differed significantly across the 3 types (P=.03) and 5 sources (P=.02). Articles with references achieved higher scores for quality than those reporting none (P<.001). The results from the DISCERN assessment and the medical content scores were highly correlated (ρ=0.58; P<.001).

Conclusions

The quality of hypertension treatment–related information on the WeChat platform is low. Future work is warranted to regulate information sources and strengthen references. For the treatment of hypertension, crucial information on the consequences of no treatment is urgently needed.

An Analysis of Information Sources of YouTube Videos Pertaining to Tattoo Removal: Cross-sectional Study

Background

The American Academy of Dermatology and the Food and Drug Administration recommend consultation with a dermatologist prior to undergoing laser tattoo removal. However, non–health care professionals offer tattoo removal. Understanding the information available on the internet for patients regarding tattoo removal is important given that individuals are increasingly consulting digital sources to make decisions regarding skin care. Prior research has identified that YouTube contains misinformation on dermatologic health.

Objective

Here, we present a cross-sectional study that determined the sources of information in YouTube videos that discuss tattoo removal and described the content presented to viewers.

Methods

Using the query “tattoo removal,” we reviewed English-language YouTube videos that explicitly discussed tattoo removal. The following data were recorded: profession of the presenter, tattoo removal method discussed, whether an explicit recommendation to see a dermatologist or physician was present in the video, and number of views.

Results

We analyzed 162 YouTube videos. We found that the majority were presented by non–health care professionals (n=125, 77%), with only 4 (3.7%) records of this subset recommending viewers to seek consultation from a dermatologist to ensure safe and adequate tattoo removal.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we recommend that dermatologists and other health care professionals provide high-quality, evidence-based information to viewers on tattoo removal and encourage dermatology societies to share via their social media platforms information about the importance of consulting a dermatologist for tattoo removal.

Superlatives, clickbaits, appeals to authority, poor grammar, or boldface: Is editorial style related to the credibility of online health messages?

Adolescents, as active online searchers, have easy access to health information. Much health information they encounter online is of poor quality and even contains potentially harmful health information. The ability to identify the quality of health messages disseminated via online technologies is needed in terms of health attitudes and behaviors. This study aims to understand how different ways of editing health-related messages affect their credibility among adolescents and what impact this may have on the content or format of health information. The sample consisted of 300 secondary school students (M_age = 17.26; SD_age = 1.04; 66.3% female). To examine the effects of manipulating editorial elements, we used seven short messages about the health-promoting effects of different fruits and vegetables. Participants were then asked to rate the message’s trustworthiness with a single question. We calculated second-order variable sensitivity as the derivative of the trustworthiness of a fake message from the trustworthiness of a true neutral message. We also controlled for participants’ scientific reasoning, cognitive reflection, and media literacy. Adolescents were able to distinguish overtly fake health messages from true health messages. True messages with and without editorial elements were perceived as equally trustworthy, except for news with clickbait headlines, which were less trustworthy than other true messages. The results were also the same when scientific reasoning, analytical reasoning, and media literacy were considered. Adolescents should be well trained to recognize online health messages with editorial elements characteristic of low-quality content. They should also be trained on how to evaluate these messages.

Benefits, drawbacks, and challenges of social media use in dermatology: A systematic review

The presence of dermatological information on social media has grown exponentially over the last two decades. Consequently, the recent literature on this topic is abundant. Many authors have highlighted that social media constitutes a unique opportunity for patient education. Additionally, numerous other benefits of these platforms have been reported. However, other authors have focused on the potential risks that these networks involve. The main concerns are patient confidentiality, legal considerations and ethical issues. Therefore, we stand at a crossroads where the many advantages of social media use in dermatology seem to be underestimated due to the presence of potential drawbacks. At this point, we propose that a systematic review of the positive and negative aspects of using social media in dermatology is necessary. We carried out a comprehensive systematic review dating from inception to July 2021. Finally, 161 articles were included. Fifteen benefits, 11 drawbacks and 10 challenges of social media use in dermatology were identified and discussed. Suggested strategies to address the identified drawbacks were provided. Overall, while there are risks to using social media, they are outnumbered by their benefits. Therefore, dermatologists should embrace this opportunity to educate patients and aim to create rigorous and engaging content.

Rabies-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Primary School Students in Chonburi Province, Thailand

In Thailand, rabies is an endemic fatal viral zoonosis where 40% of those infected are under age 15. The aim of this rabies KAP study (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) is to examine preventive behaviors. A multistage sampling technique was employed for selecting the sample. Of 290 primary school students, 52.1% of them had poor knowledge, 89% had favorable attitudes, and 52.1% exercised proper preventive behaviors. We employed structural equation modeling to verify the systemic relationships and found rabies knowledge (β = .157, se=.059, P = .008) and attitude (β = .206 se=.054, P < .001) were associated with rabies preventive behaviors. Moreover, children in school No.4 statistically had less adept at rabies prevention than others. (β = - .232, se=.054, P < .001). This study highlights the need to strengthen rabies education programs, especially for rabies risk situations among school-aged children.

The use of social media platforms to discuss and educate the public on allergic contact dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Social media platforms are increasingly used by patients to research and discuss medical problems.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify by whom, how frequently, and how allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is discussed on social media sites.

METHODS

Search terms allergic contact dermatitis and contact dermatitis were queried across Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, YouTube, and Google search metrics. The frequency, content, and creators of content were assessed.

RESULTS

ACD content was identified on all platforms and was made by patients, physicians, professional organizations, and companies. When comparing the volume of posts, more content was on Instagram than Twitter, particularly among patients. Patients support groups were identified on Facebook but not on Reddit. A formal analysis of YouTube videos found that the medical information presented in these videos was often of poor quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Patch testing physicians should be aware information on ACD exist across social media sites. While some content is generated by physicians, patients and industry groups also post and share material. Patch testing physicians should be aware that there is an opportunity to share ACD information, but they should also be aware our patients are posting and creating online support communities independent of us. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Quality and Reliability of Halitosis Videos on YouTube as a Source of Information

Halitosis is a common condition that adversely affects quality of life. Through YouTube, people access oral health information. This study aimed to analyze the quality and comprehensiveness of the content, and reliability of halitosis videos hosted on YouTube. In total, 300 videos were collected based on three search keywords, and the number of likes, dislikes, views, duration, interaction index, viewing rate, and source category. Subsequently, the video score, which represents the content quality and comprehensiveness was used to categorize videos as poor, good, and excellent. DISCERN score was used to assess video reliability. Of the 105 videos analyzed, 68 (64.8%) were uploaded by personal users. In general, videos were categorized as poor and have low reliability. Videos sourced from healthcare professionals showed the highest quality, comprehensiveness of the content, and reliability (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the number of viewers for video duration less than or more than 4 min (p > 0.05). YouTube users prefer low-quality videos over high-quality ones, indicating that viewers cannot differentiate between reliable and potentially biased content. It is critical to enable viewers to critically assimilate information hosted on YouTube to make effective oral healthcare decisions.

Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine despite limited perceived efficacy in patients with rheumatic diseases in Mexico: Cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) to improve their symptoms; however, its diversity and availability have increased notably while scientific support for its effectiveness and adverse effects is still scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence and diversity of CAM in patients with RD in Chihuahua, Mexico.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 500 patients with RD who were interviewed about the use of CAM to treat their disease. The interview included sociodemographic aspects, characteristics of the disease, as well as a description of CAM use, including type, frequency of use, perception of the benefit, communication with the rheumatologist, among others.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CAM use was reported by 59.2% of patients, which informed a total of 155 different therapies. The herbal CAM group was the most used (31.4%) and included more than 50 different therapies. The use of menthol-based and arnica ointments was highly prevalent (35%). Most patients (62.3%) reported very little or no improvement in their symptoms. Only a fourth of the patients informed the rheumatologist of the use of CAM. The use of CAM was influenced by female sex, university degree, diagnosis delay, lack adherence to the rheumatologist's treatment, family history of RD, and orthopedic devices.

CONCLUSION

The use of CAM in our population is highly prevalent and similar to reports in different populations suggesting a widespread use in many different societies. We found high use of herbal remedies; however, there were many different types suggesting a lack of significant effect. Patients continue using CAM despite a perception of no-effectiveness. Recurrent use of CAM is explained by factors other than its efficacy.

Reliability and Quality of YouTube Videos on Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block: A Programmatical Review

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia has gained popularity over the last decade. This study aimed to assess whether YouTube videos sufficiently serve as an adjunctive tool for learning how to perform an ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (BPB).

METHODS

All YouTube videos were classified, based on their sources, as either academic, manufacturer, educational, or individual videos. The metrics, accuracy, utility, reliability (using the Journal of American Medical Association Score benchmark criteria (JAMAS)), and educational quality (using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and Brachial Plexus Block Specific Quality Score (BSQS)) were validated.

RESULTS

Here, 175 videos were included. Academic (1.19 ± 0.62, mean ± standard deviation), manufacturer (1.17 ± 0.71), and educational videos (1.15 ± 0.76) had better JAMAS accuracy and reliability than individual videos (0.26 ± 0.67) (p < 0.001). Manufacturer (11.22 ± 1.63) and educational videos (10.33 ± 3.34) had a higher BSQS than individual videos (7.32 ± 4.20) (p < 0.001). All sources weakly addressed the equipment preparation and post-procedure questions after BSQS analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The reliability and quality of ultrasound-guided BPB videos differ depending on their source. As YouTube is a useful educational platform for learners and teachers, global societies of regional anesthesiologists should set a standard for videos.

Empowering Patients Living With Chronic Conditions Using Video as an Educational Tool: Scoping Review

Background

Video is used daily for various purposes, such as leisure, culture, and even learning. Currently, video is a tool that is available to a large part of the population and is simple to use. This audio-visual format has many advantages such as its low cost, speed of dissemination, and possible interaction between users. For these reasons, it is a tool with high dissemination and educational potential, which could be used in the field of health for learning about and management of chronic diseases by adult patients.

Objective

The following review determines whether the use of health educational videos by adult patients with chronic diseases is effective for their self-management according to the literature.

Methods

An electronic literature search of the PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE (via the EBSCOhost platform) databases up to April 2020 was conducted. The systematic scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology.

Results

After reviewing 1427 articles, 12 were selected as the most consistent with the proposed inclusion criteria. After their review, it was found that the studies showed that video is effective as a tool for improving care related to chronic diseases.

Conclusions

Video is effective in improving the care and quality of life for patients with chronic diseases, whether the initiative for using video came from their health care professionals or themselves.

YouTube as a source of information on breast cancer in the Arab world

BACKGROUND

The general population is increasingly using YouTube as a source of information on breast cancer, the most frequent cancer among women. Arabs are the most interested population in breast cancer on YouTube. The transmission of accurate information is important to reduce mortality rates. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate breast cancer videos on YouTube in the Arab world.

METHODS

A YouTube search for "breast cancer" in Arabic was performed. The most viewed 60 videos included were evaluated for global quality (GQS score), reliability (modified DISCERN score), content (content score), and misleading claims. Recorded and calculated data included views, duration, videos power index, and viewers' interaction. Sources from legal persons (governments, universities, TV channels, physicians' groups), and blogs (online health channels, individuals) were categorized.

RESULTS

The median global quality (3/5), reliability (2/5), and content scores (4/11) were overall low. Misleading information was found in 42% of the videos. Although videos uploaded by legal persons were less popular (163,454 vs 327,488 views), they hosted more physicians (52% vs 15%), were less misleading (15% vs 64%), covered more content, and were of higher global quality and reliability than videos uploaded by blogs [p < 0.05]. While the topic of symptoms (55%) was discussed the most, genetic counseling (13%) and prevention (20%) were the least mentioned.

CONCLUSIONS

YouTube is poorly informational and inaccurate on breast cancer in the Arab World where it is highly used. Although videos uploaded by legal persons tend to be more adequate, they are of lower popularity. Governments and physicians are encouraged to upload more intelligibly informational videos, guide the population to reliable sources, and support regulations.

Qualitative assessment of YouTube videos as a source of patient information for cochlear implant surgery

BACKGROUND

YouTube is increasingly used as a source of healthcare information. This study evaluated the quality of videos on YouTube about cochlear implants.

METHODS

YouTube was searched using the phrase 'cochlear implant'. The first 60 results were screened by two independent reviewers. A modified Discern tool was used to evaluate the quality of each video.

RESULTS

Forty-seven videos were analysed. The mean overall Discern score was 2.0 out of 5.0. Videos scored higher for describing positive elements such as the benefits of a cochlear implant (mean score of 3.4) and scored lower for negative elements such as the risks of cochlear implant surgery (mean score of 1.3).

CONCLUSION

The quality of information regarding cochlear implant surgery on YouTube is highly variable. These results demonstrated a bias towards the positive attributes of cochlear implants, with little mention of the risks or uncertainty involved. Although videos may be useful as supplementary information, critical elements required to make an informed decision are lacking. This is of particular importance when patients are considering surgery.

Scratching the surface: a review of online misinformation and conspiracy theories in atopic dermatitis

Misinformation is one of the greatest threats to global health. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disorder with a complex multifactorial aetiology, rendering it susceptible to misinformation. Little is known about the content of misinformation regarding AD online. We performed a review of AD-related misinformation available online, via PubMed for scientific papers and Google for nonscientific websites. Key areas of misinformation were identified, including 'simple cures' for AD, diet, chemicals, dust, vaccines, red skin syndrome and alternative therapies. Patients with AD and their families are vulnerable to misinformation given the severe impact of AD on quality of life. Dermatologists must be aware of the false AD-related content being shared online, and be prepared to refute and rebut misinformation by providing appropriate evidence.

Evaluation of YouTube Video Content Related to the Management of Hypoglycemia

Objective

Hypoglycemia is a syndrome characterized by decreased blood glucose levels and can result in morbidity and mortality. Often, patients seek information about hypoglycemia from the Internet and especially YouTube. The objective of this study was to investigate the quality and reliability of the 50 most viewed videos related to hypoglycemia on YouTube.

Methods

The links of 50 videos that met the criteria were copied to spreadsheet software. Attributes of the uploaders, the content of the videos, their screening time, the date they were uploaded, the number of days since the upload date, the number of daily views, comments, likes, dislike, and video power indexes were recorded. The videos were assessed by two independent emergency specialists using DISCERN and global quality scales (GQS).

Results

Of the selection, 27 (54%) videos were uploaded by health channels, 11 (22%) by physicians, nine (18%) by hospital channels, and three (6%) by patients. Furthermore, 30 (60%) of these 50 videos were real-content videos and 20 (40%) were animations. The average DISCERN score given by the researchers to 50 videos was 3.72 ± 0.90 (min-max: 1-5) and the average GQS score was 3.65 ± 0.88. Mean video power index (VPI) value was determined as 92.64 ± 11. According to Pearson’s analysis, there was a good agreement between the two observers.

Conclusion

Videos uploaded by physicians were useful. However, health videos should only be uploaded by physicians. Uploading videos with content that the patients and their relatives can clearly understand is of paramount importance.

"Fake news" in dermatology. Results from an observational, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Social networks have become a means for disseminating information on health-related matters.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the characteristics and analyze the accuracy of the dermatology content that is most often shared on the most popular social networks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The content most often shared on social networks (Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Reddit) between March 2019 and March 2020 was analyzed using the keywords: acne, alopecia/hair loss, psoriasis, eczema, melanoma, skin cancer, rash, and rosacea. The total number of interactions, skin disease, topic, and origin was collected from each of the records. The content was analyzed and was categorized as precise, confusing, or imprecise based on the scientific evidence available.

RESULTS

A total of 385 websites were included. About 44.7% of the shared content was rated as imprecise, 20% as confusing, and 35.3% as precise. The records classified as imprecise obtained a higher mean number of interactions (P < 0.05). No differences were found in terms of the level of certainty and the dermatosis studied, whereas they did exist in relation to their topic and origin (P < 0.001). Of the contents classified as imprecise, the most frequent topic and origin were "alternative medicines" and "individual opinions, articles not affiliated with health institutions, nor peer reviewed," respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of the contents often shared on social networks are below acceptable quality standards. Strategies are needed to discredit imprecise information and promote the dissemination of evidence-based dermatology information.

Internet and social media use in dermatology patients: Search behavior and impact on patient-physician relationship

The traditional patient-physician relationship is being changed by the patients' searches for medical information on the Internet and in social media (SM). Freely available medical information online bears enormous potential but also holds dangers. In this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, the patients' motivation, preferences and unmet needs when searching for medical information online and the impact on the patient-physician relationship were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients, χ² -tests and paired t-tests. Among 460 participants, 82.4% had already used the Internet/SM to gain medical information, but in only 9.4% their dermatologists had raised this topic. Online search for medical information was associated with female gender (P = .048), a higher skin-related burden (P = .020), higher level of education (P = .072), higher income (P = .019), anxiety (P = .004), and adnexal skin diseases (P = .043). For 16.1% of patients, "the Internet/SM" was their most important source of medical information; 81.4% deemed the impact of their online searches on their patient-physician relationship as neutral, 16.0% as positive, 2.6% as negative. The patients' top three unmet needs were "Online consultations", "Professional content on YouTube" and "Chat opportunities". Online search for medical information is a very important topic for most dermatology patients but it may not be adequately addressed by dermatologists. Our results indicate that from the patients`perspective such online searches do not have a significant impact on patient-physician relationship.

YouTube as a Source of Medical and Epidemiological Information During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Content Across Six Languages Around the Globe

Introduction

The current coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is evolving daily and has jeopardized life globally across social and economic fronts. One of the six key strategic objectives identified by the WHO to manage COVID-19 is to communicate critical information to all communities and prevent the spread of misinformation. We analyzed content on YouTube.com, a widely used web-based platform for medical and epidemiological information.

Methods

YouTube search results using two keywords were analyzed each in six languages - English, Arabic, Bengali, Dutch, Hindi, and Nigerian Pidgin on April 8, 2020. Forty videos in each of the six languages (i.e., a total of 240 videos) were included for analysis in the study. Two reviewers conducted independent analyses for each language. The inter-observer agreement was evaluated with the kappa coefficient (κ). Modified DISCERN index and Medical Information and Content Index (MICI) scores were used for the reliability of content presented in the videos and information quality assessment, respectively. Analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney test, and chi-square tests were done appropriately for data analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All calculations were performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY).

Results

The videos cumulatively attracted 364,080,193 views. Altogether, 52.5% of videos were Informative, 23.75% were News Updates, and 8.33% were Personal Experiences. Ten percent of videos were found to present medically misleading information. Independent Users contributed 75% of the misleading content. The overall Mean DISCERN score, an index of content reliability, was 2.62/5. The overall Mean MICI Score was 5.68/25. Videos had better scores in the Transmission component of the MICI scale and scored low on the Screening/Testing component.

Conclusion

The reliability and quality of the content of most videos about COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were found to be unsatisfactory. Videos with misleading content were found across all six languages, and sometimes garnered a higher percentage of views than those from credible sources. The share of videos contributed by Government and Health Agencies was low. Medical institutions and health agencies should produce content on widely used platforms like YouTube for quality medical and epidemiological information dissemination.

Global Trends in YouTube and Google Search Activity for Psoriasis and Atopic Eczema: Detecting Geographic Hot Spots, Blind Spots and Treatment Strategies

To date, the geographical distribution and global trends of search activities on psoriasis and atopic eczema on Google and YouTube are widely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify geographic and temporal trends in YouTube and Google search activities for psoriasis and atopic eczema. We used specific filter settings on Google Trends to indicate the global search activity for ("Psoriasis") and ("Atopic Eczema") on Google and YouTube between January 1^st , 2008 and August 7^th , 2019. The four resulting data sets were analyzed and compared with respect to geographic distribution and temporal trends. Apart from a few "blind spots" (eg, Chad, Uzbekistan) the term "Psoriasis" was queried geographically fairly evenly distributed. The opposite was true for "Atopic Eczema", which was predominantly queried from a few "hot spots" (eg, United States, Commonwealth of Nations and Sweden). Since 2008, the search activity on YouTube for "Psoriasis" has tripled, while that for "Atopic Eczema" has decreased. On Google, by contrast, search activity has risen for both "Psoriasis" and "Atopic Eczema." Google Trends can be a useful tool to track people's/patients' interests and search search behavior over time, enabling, for instance, regionally tailored information and prevention campaigns.