Can YouTube English Videos Be Recommended as an Accurate Source for Learning About Testicular Self-examination?

The usefulness and reliability of English-language YouTube videos as a source of knowledge for patients with familial Mediterranean fever

Background/Objectives

YouTube is increasingly being used as an educational tool and is a substantial source of information. This study aimed to assess the quality of the most viewed YouTube videos pertaining to familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Methods

A search on YouTube was conducted on January 13, 2022, using the keywords: "familial Mediterranean fever treatment," "familial Mediterranean fever colchicine," and "familial Mediterranean fever colchicine opacalcium." Two rheumatologists independently evaluated the relevance and accuracy of the videos. Redundant or irrelevant videos were excluded. The educational value of YouTube videos was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Comparative analyses of video parameters across different cohorts were performed. To assess the reliability and quality of the videos, a modified version of the DISCERN scale and the GQS were employed.

Results

Out of the 59 videos reviewed, 43 (72.9%) were of high quality, 10 (16.9%) were of medium quality, and 6 (10.2%) were of low quality. Upon comparing parameters among groups, no significant disparities were observed in terms of daily views, daily favorites, daily dislikes, or daily comments (p > 0.05). GQS scores for usefulness and modified DISCERN scores showed significant differences among groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, both GQS and modified DISCERN scores exhibited moderately negative correlations (r =  - .450 and r =  - .474, respectively) and high statistical significance (p < 0.001 for both) with utility assessment.

Conclusion

YouTube is a valuable repository of high-quality videos for FMF patients. Healthcare providers should guide their patients to high-quality video sources to supplement their educational material.

Quality of information in Youtube videos on disorder of sexual development

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and quality of the videos published on YouTube on the subject of disorder of sexual development. The search was performed by using term 'disorder of sexual development', 'differences in sex development', 'variations in sex development' and 'intersex' on YouTube. Videos in languages other than English and whose sound or image quality was poor were excluded from the study. The videos were evaluated in terms of source, content, intended audience, commercial bias, and accuracy of information. Video features were recorded. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria, modified DISCERN scale and Global Quality Score (GQS) were used for quality evaluation. A total of 150 videos were evaluated. The source of 30% of the videos was medical education sites, the content of 43.3% was general information and the target audience of 40.6% was patients/society. Accuracy of information rate was 90% and commercial bias rate was 7.3%. The median JAMA, GQS and Modified DISCERN score were 1 (IQR value:2, range:0-2), 3 (IQR value:2, range:2-4) and 3 (IQR value:2, range:1-3) respectively. These scores were correlated with each other (rho = 0.834-0.909 p < 0.001). Scores of the videos whose source was academic journal/university were higher compared to other videos (p < 0.001). The median duration of the videos with good quality was longer (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between all scoring systems and number of views/likes/comments, view/comment per day and days since upload date (rho = -0.332, rho = -0.273, rho = -0.382, rho = -0.249, rho = -0.323 rho = -0.285 respectively; p < 0.05). YouTube is a good platform to learn about disorder of sexual development, but the quality may vary depending on the video source.

Cross-sectional and comparative analysis of videos on erectile dysfunction treatment on YouTube and TikTok

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of information regarding erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment on YouTube and TikTok. The term "erectile dysfunction" was searched on YouTube and TikTok in July 2021. The first 50 videos on each platform that met inclusion were included. Videos were sorted as reliable or unreliable based on accuracy of video content. Quality of information was evaluated using Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and 5-point modified DISCERN. TikTok videos were shorter (0.4 minutes vs. 5.2 minutes, p < 0.001) and had more likes (2294 vs. 1000, p = 0.005), views per month (17,281 vs. 3521, p < 0.001) and subscribers/followers (97,500 vs. 23,000, p = 0.016) than YouTube videos. TikTok videos were less reliable than YouTube videos (TikTok 5/50 [10%] vs. YouTube 21/50 [42%], p < 0.001). YouTube mentioned more about phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (32% vs. 10%, p = 0.007), while TikTok mentioned more about alternative supplements (36% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). YouTube had a higher DISCERN (1.99 vs. 0.98, p < 0.001) and PEMAT actionability scores (64.2% vs. 54.0%, p = 0.039) when compared to TikTok. YouTube videos were of higher quality than TikTok videos. Nevertheless, YouTube had a considerable amount of unreliable information. We recommend a collaborative effort from the medical community to improve information regarding ED treatment on YouTube and TikTok.

Evaluation of YouTube videos as a source of information about oral self-examination to detect oral cancer and precancerous lesions

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness of YouTube videos about oral self-examination to detect oral cancer and precancerous lesions and to assess whether the source, duration, quality, reliability, and/or comprehensiveness of videos influence their visibility and popularity.

Materials and Methods:

Videos on YouTube were searched using eight keywords similar to oral self-examination. The first 100 videos for each search term were included. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were adhered to, and videos were assessed for quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness. Upload date, views, likes, dislikes, duration, and source of the videos were noted. Viewing rate and interaction index were calculated for each video.

Results:

A total of 800 videos were analyzed, 24 of which met the inclusion criteria. Majority of videos (87%) were uploaded by the healthcare group. The visibility, quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness were higher in videos uploaded by the healthcare group when compared with the non-healthcare group, but not at a level of statistical significance. The mean interaction index score of the non-healthcare group was found to be higher than the healthcare group, with statistically significant difference. Duration of videos showed an impact on the comprehensiveness of the videos.

Conclusion:

There are relatively few videos on oral self-examination on YouTube, and most do not have satisfactory quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness. There is a potential to increase public awareness about oral self-examination by utilizing this tool. Videos with complete and accurate information regarding oral self-examination must be uploaded to YouTube, which is currently an important source of information for the general public.

Analysis of videos about vesicoureteral reflux on YouTube

OBJECTIVE

To assess the content, reliability and quality of information regarding vesicoureteral reflux in YouTube videos, as a source of patient information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a YouTube search with the keyword "vesicoureteral reflux" was performed on April 15, 2021, and the first 150 videos were listed according to relevancy. Advertisements, duplicate videos, videos in languages other than English, and videos without audio were excluded. Video features (time since upload, run time, number of like, dislike, views and comments) and source of upload were recorded. The quality, reliability and accuracy of the information were evaluated independently by an urologist and a pediatrician using the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) score, the 5-point modified DISCERN tool and the Global Quality Score (GQS). Video quality was assessed according to the source of upload and video features. The correlation analysis was performed between video features, GQS, JAMA and DISCERN scores.

RESULTS

A total number of 125 videos were analyzed. The most common source of upload was hospital, clinician, practice (43.2%) and the majority of the content (25.6%) was about symptoms and diagnosis options. The median JAMA score, modified DISCERN score and GQS was 3 (1-4) (1-5) (1-5), respectively. JAMA scores were significantly higher in videos that were uploaded by hospital, clinician, practice (except tv programs). Modified DISCERN scores and GQS scores of videos uploaded by hospital, clinician, practice was significantly higher than Industry, advertisements, for profit-organizations and individual users, patients (see Summary Table). There is a positive correlation between the number of likes and VPI as well as JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant amount of VUR-related content on YouTube and the source of the vídeo influences on quality. Almost half of the vídeos have poor quality, and people apparently choose videos that are technically better, and "technical" videos over "experiential" ones.

Is social media reliable as a source of information on Peyronie's disease treatment?

Although YouTube video is one of the most widely used and easily accessible information sharing sources, its widespread use can carry the risk of spreading misleading and unreliable information. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, quality, and content of the most viewed YouTube videos related to Peyronie's disease treatment. The keywords of "penile curvature", "penile deformity", "bent penis" "curved penis", and "Peyronie's disease" were searched on YouTube. Among 700 YouTube videos, 267 videos were included in the study. They were categorized by two independent urologists with board certification as accurate information (n = 138, 51.7%) or inaccurate information (n = 129, 48.3%). Accurate videos contained information about the treatment of Peyronie's disease with proven scientific accuracy according to the current guidelines, whereas inaccurate videos contained scientifically unproven or incorrect information and recommendations not in the guidelines. A 5-point modified DISCERN scale and Global Quality Score were used for reliability and quality assessment. Although the accurate information group had a significantly higher DISCERN Score (3, IQR = 3-4 vs. 1, IQR = 1-2, p < .001) and Global Quality Score (5, IQR = 4-5 vs. 2, IQR = 1-3 p < 0.001); the number of views per day (10.37, IQR = 3.01-28.12 vs. 6.65, IQR = 1.55-27.87) and likes (36, IQR = 6-145 vs. 19.5, IQR = 4-121.7) were higher but not significant in the inaccurate information group. The majority of the videos in the inaccurate information group were uploaded by medical advertisement/for profit companies (51.2%) and individual users/patients (38.8%), whereas universities/professional organizations/nonprofit physician/physician groups constituted the majority in the accurate information group (60.9%). According to our findings, videos containing inaccurate information are more popular. People should be made aware that they should not immediately believe the videos containing medical advertisements without consulting nonprofit physicians.

Quality analysis of testicular cancer videos on YouTube

The aim of this study was to assess the content, reliability and quality of information regarding testicular cancer in YouTube videos. The search was performed by using term 'testicular cancer' on YouTube, and the first 168 videos were listed according to relevancy. Video features and source of upload were recorded. The quality, reliability and accuracy of the information were evaluated by two independent urologists using the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) score, the 5-point modified DISCERN tool and the Global Quality Score (GQS). A total number of 152 videos were analysed. The most common source of upload was talk show programmes/TV programmes (25.7%), and majority of the content was about (24.3%) symptoms and diagnosis options. The mean JAMA score, modified DISCERN score and GQS were 1.59, 2.13 and 2.61 respectively. These scores were significantly higher in videos that were uploaded by physicians/nonprofit physicians/professional organisations/universities (p < 0.001). There is a positive correlation between the video length, DISCERN, JAMA scores and GQS. YouTube is a widely used source of information and advice about testicular cancer, but much of the content is of poor quality.