YouTube as a Source of Patient Information Regarding Exercises and Compensated Maneuvers for Dysphagia

Characteristics, reliability, and quality of YouTube videos on meralgia paresthetica: a descriptive cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate YouTube videos on meralgia paresthetica (MP) for reliability, quality, and differences between quality levels.

METHODS

We analyzed 59 videos related to MP. We evaluated several video characteristics, including views, likes, dislikes, duration, and speaker profile. We used view ratio, like ratio, Video Power Index (VPI), Global Quality Scale (GQS), JAMA criteria, and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) to assess viewer engagement, popularity, educational quality, and reliability.

RESULTS

The videos received a total of 4,009,141 views (average 67,951.54), with 25.4% focused on exercise training and 23.7% focused on disease information. Mean scores were mDISCERN 2.4, GQS 2.8, and JAMA 2.1. Physician-led videos had higher mDISCERN scores, while allied health worker-led videos had more views, likes, dislikes, view ratios, and VPI. Poor and high-quality videos differed in views, likes, view ratio, VPI, and duration. Positive correlations existed among mDISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores, with video duration positively correlated with GQS.

CONCLUSION

The content of YouTube videos discussing diseases significantly influences viewer engagement and popularity. To enhance the availability of valuable content on YouTube, which lacks a peer review process, medical professionals must contribute high-quality educational materials tailored to their target audience.

YouTube as an information source for bleeding gums: A quantitative and qualitative analysis

Gum bleeding is a common dental problem, and numerous patients seek health-related information on this topic online. The YouTube website is a popular resource for people searching for medical information. To our knowledge, no recent study has evaluated content related to bleeding gums on YouTube™. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of YouTube videos related to bleeding gums. A search was performed on YouTube using the keyword "bleeding gums" from Google Trends. Of the first 200 results, 107 videos met the inclusion criteria. The descriptive statistics for the videos included the time since upload, the video length, and the number of likes, views, comments, subscribers, and viewing rates. The global quality score (GQS), usefulness score, and DISCERN were used to evaluate the video quality. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman correlation analysis. The majority (n = 69, 64.48%) of the videos observed were uploaded by hospitals/clinics and dentists/specialists. The highest coverage was for symptoms (95.33%). Only 14.02% of the videos were classified as "good". The average video length of the videos rated as "good" was significantly longer than the other groups (p <0.05), and the average viewing rate of the videos rated as "poor" (63,943.68%) was substantially higher than the other groups (p <0.05). YouTube videos on bleeding gums were of moderate quality, but their content was incomplete and unreliable. Incorrect and inadequate content can significantly influence patients' attitudes and medical decisions. Effort needs to be expended by dental professionals, organizations, and the YouTube platform to ensure that YouTube can serve as a reliable source of information on bleeding gums.

Quality of Pelvic Floor Therapy Videos on YouTube: Does Popularity Predict Reliability?

ABSTRACT

This study reviewed instructional videos on YouTube regarding pelvic floor physical therapy and assessed the association between the videos' popularity and the reliability of the videos' content. YouTube was searched using the terms relevant to pelvic floor muscle training. The first 100 videos for each search term were screened, and relevant metrics were collected for those meeting the inclusion criteria. Videos were assessed by 2 independent, trained health care professionals for reliability using the Medical Quality Video Evaluation (MQ-VET) tool, the modified DISCERN tool, the Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criteria, and the Global Quality Score. Popularity was assessed using the Video Power Index (VPI). Higher values for all scoring systems correlated with greater reliability and greater popularity, respectively. Five hundred videos were screened. Two hundred thirty-four videos were duplicates, and 99 did not meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 167 videos were reviewed. The median VPI and MQ-VET score was 201,114.76 (interquartile range, 7,194,020.29) and 48.00 (interquartile range, 12.75), respectively. Spearman's R value was 0.292 (P < 0.001), demonstrating a weak positive correlation between MQ-VET scores and VPI. The interrater reliability of the MQ-VET was good, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.92). In summary, we identified a statistically significant but weak positive correlation between the reliability and popularity of YouTube videos about pelvic floor physical therapy.

YouTube as a source of information for pressure injury: Quality assessment and content analysis

We aimed to assess the quality and reliability of pressure injury-related videos uploaded on YouTube, analyse the sources and contents, and examine the correlation between video parameters. We searched YouTube using two keywords, "pressure ulcer" and "pressure sore", on August 20, 2022. We sorted the videos according to their number of views and included the top 100 videos for each keyword. The quality of videos was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), while their reliability was evaluated by the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tool. In addition, we evaluated the videos in which content was included, analysed the correlations and differences between GQS, mDISCERN, and video parameters. We initially found a total of 100 videos for each keyword and finally included and analysed 77 videos. The mean scores for the mDISCERN and GQS were 2.35 ± 0.98 and 3.09 ± 0.99, respectively. Both GQS and mDISCERN showed statistically significant correlations with each other (rho = 0.54, p < 0.0001*) and with the length of the videos, respectively (rho = 0.36, p = 0.001*), (rho = 0.29, p = 0.01*). Of the videos created by physicians, 8 (57.1%) included content related to treatment, while of the videos created by nonphysician health personnel, 22 (57.9%) included content related to prevention. Analysing whether there were differences in video parameters based on the sources, we observed significant differences between sources in GQS (p < 0.0001*), mDISCERN (p < 0.0001*), and video length (p = 0.001*). In the post-hoc analysis, videos uploaded by physicians or nonphysician health personnel showed higher quality and reliability than videos uploaded by other sources. Therefore, the results of this study could be useful for healthcare providers, as well as patients and caregivers, to search for high-quality and reliable YouTube videos related to pressure injury.

Bilibili, TikTok, and YouTube as sources of information on gastric cancer: assessment and analysis of the content and quality

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer has attracted widespread attention on social media due to its high incidence and severity. The Bilibili, TikTok, and YouTube video-sharing platforms have received considerable interest among general health consumers. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the information in videos on these platforms is of satisfactory content and quality.

METHODS

A total of 300 eligible videos related to gastric cancer were screened from three video-sharing platforms, Bilibili, TikTok, and YouTube, for assessment and analysis. First, the basic information presented in the videos was recorded. Next, we identified the source and content type of each video. Then, the Global Quality Scale (GQS), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and Modified DISCERN were used to assess the educational content and quality of each video. A comparative analysis was undertaken of the videos procured from these three sources.

RESULTS

We identified six categories of uploaders of the 300 videos: 159 videos (53%) were uploaded by health professionals, 21 videos (7%) by users in science communications, 29 videos (9.67%) by general users, 27 videos (9%) from news agencies, 63 videos (12%) by nonprofit organizations, and one video (0.33%) by a for-profit organization. In terms of the content types of the 300 videos, we identified five distinct categories. There were 48 videos (16%) on early signals, 12 videos (4%) on late symptoms, 40 videos (13.33%) on etiologies and causations, 160 videos (53.33%) on scientific introductions, and 40 videos (13.33%) on treatment methods. The overall quality of the videos was evaluated by the GQS, JAMA, and Modified DISCERN and was found to be medium, with scores of 2.6/5, 2.41/4, and 2.71/5 points, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This innovative study demonstrates that videos on social media platforms can help the public learn about early signals, late symptoms, treatment methods, etiologies and causations, and scientific introductions of gastric cancer. However, both the content and quality of uploaded recordings are inadequate currently. More efforts should be made to enhance the content and quality of videos on gastric cancer and to increase public awareness.

Content Analysis of YouTube Videos on the Effect of Vitamin C on Common Cold

BACKGROUND

With the growth of the Internet, social media platforms have emerged as major sources of medical information. We assessed the reliability, quality, and accuracy of the most-viewed YouTube videos containing information on the effect of vitamin C on the common cold.

METHODS

The YouTube videos were searched on August 1, 2022, using the keywords: ("ascorbic acid" OR "vitamin C" OR "Sodium Ascorbate" OR "L-ascorbic") AND "common cold". The 30 most-viewed videos were included in our study. The reliability and quality of the videos were analyzed using modified DISCERN and Global Quality Scales, respectively. When the videos included at least one correct or inaccurate scientific statement about the effect of vitamin C on the common cold, they were classified as accurate or misleading videos, respectively; those without any pertinent information were considered neither accurate nor misleading. If a video contained both accurate and inaccurate statements, it was classified as misleading.

RESULTS

Of the 30 most-viewed videos, 73% were unreliable, and 67% contained misleading information and were of a poor quality. Of these 30 videos, 14 videos were produced and posted by customers who were not specialized in medicine or nutrition. Moreover, these videos were of significantly lower reliability, quality, and accuracy than those produced by nutrition or fitness channels or by medical or nutrition professionals.

CONCLUSION

The reliability, quality, and accuracy of videos uploaded by non-professionals were low. Therefore, video creators should upload reliable, high-quality videos to ensure the dissemination of accurate medical information.

TikTok and Bilibili as sources of information on Helicobacter pylori in China: A content and quality analysis

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is closely associated with gastric diseases and has a high prevalence in China. Public platforms are considered common and important tools to publicize H. pylori-related information. This study aimed to assess and compare the content and quality of H. pylori-related videos on TikTok and Bilibili.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was performed on the TikTok and Bilibili platforms using the keyword "H. pylori". The source of upload was categorized as for-profit organizations, general users, health professionals, news agencies, nonprofit organizations, and science communicators. The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), Global Quality Scale (GQS), and modified DISCERN scores were used to evaluate the quality of the included videos.

RESULTS

A total of 93 TikTok videos and 79 Bilibili videos were included and analyzed. TikTok videos had a significantly shorter duration than Bilibili videos (64 vs. 149 s, respectively; p < 0.001). The duration of the video showed a positive correlation with the modified DISCERN and GQS scores (p < 0.001, r = 0.388 and r = 0.437, respectively). The JAMA and modified DISCERN scores of the TikTok video were significantly higher in health professionals and nonprofit organizations than in other sources (p < 0.05). For Bilibili, science communicators had a significantly higher JAMA score than the other video sources (p < 0.001). The videos uploaded by news agencies received more views, comments, shares, and favorites than any other organization or individual (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In China, H. pylori-related videos from TikTok and Bilibili tended to provide the information regarding the transmission and eradication of H. pylori. However, many videos scored an average rating in content and quality and need to be improved. We recommend that the public obtain H. pylori-related information through videos uploaded by health professionals, nonprofit organizations, and science communicators.

Quality and Content Analysis: Can YouTube Videos on Agoraphobia Be Considered a Reliable Source?

BACKGROUND

YouTube, known as an online video platform, is one of the most popular and dynamic video platforms in the world. it provides access to videos with a variety of content, both in health and many other areas. The fact that it is accessible to everyone and free of charge makes it frequently preferred by individuals. The effectiveness of social media platforms on the thoughts and behaviors of individuals has caused YouTube and other similar platforms to be the subject of health research in recent years. Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of feeling trapped somewhere. Agoraphobia is a common type of anxiety disorder in society, and cognitive behavioral and psychopharmacological agents are used in its treatment. Our aim in this research is to examine YouTubeTM videos on agoraphobia in terms of reliability and quality.

METHODS

The first 50 videos related to agoraphobia were included in the analysis, and the duration (minutes), video content, institutions/individuals who uploaded the video, the time elapsed since uploading, total views, and likes were recorded. In addition, all videos were evaluated on two different scales: Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN) and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). The obtained data were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

The mean video duration was 11.4±9.38 minutes, the mean views count was 113299.5±333091, and the mean like count was 8512.76±31429.37. Videos were evaluated in terms of content; 50% included general information, 28% agoraphobia experience, and 22% information about overcoming agoraphobia. The GQS and DISCERN scores were significantly higher in professional videos than in non-professionals (p<0.005).

CONCLUSION

As a result of the evaluation of YouTubeTM videos about agoraphobia in terms of quality and content, it has been determined that it is necessary to increase the rate of videos prepared by mental health professionals. Psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals working in the field of anxiety should be encouraged to provide videos with scientific and reliable content.

Evaluation of the reliability and quality of YouTube videos as a source of information for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Background

YouTube plays an influential role in disseminating health-related information in the digital age. This study aimed to evaluate YouTube videos on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in terms of their information value and quality.

Methods

In this descriptive study, we ranked the first 100 videos that met the inclusion criteria using the search term "transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation" on October 30, 2022. These videos were classified according to the number of views, likes, dislikes, comments, duration, popularity and content categories. Reliability, quality, and accuracy of the videos were assessed using the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria and Modified DISCERN Questionnaire and Global Quality Score (GQS). Video popularity were calculated by the Video Power Index (VPI).

Results

Based on the GQS results, we found that 59, 27, and 14 videos had low, intermediate, and high quality, respectively. In addition, based on the JAMA results, 79 and 21 videos had poor and high reliability, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the JAMA, modified DISCERN and GQS scores in terms of the sources of videos (p = 0.226, p = 0.115, p = 0.812). Notably, there was a weak positive correlation between the JAMA scores and the number of views (r = 0.204, p = 0.041).

Conclusion

According to our study results, most YouTube videos on TENS were of low quality and reliability. Additionally, most videos were uploaded from sources created by doctors; the most frequently found content was about the TENS procedure, and content on complications of the procedure became less frequent as the videos became more recent. In particular, it was found that videos uploaded by academics have longer duration. It has been found that reliable videos with high JAMA scores also have high number of views. Accordingly, it can be concluded that videos with higher quality and more reliability that are created by healthcare providers will be more useful for patients seeking information about TENS.

Analysis of the Brazilian-Portuguese Content on Autism Spectrum Disorder Available on YouTube Videos

AIMS

Information about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is available in different videos on YouTube. However, these videos might present inaccurate or outdated information. The aims of this study were to 1) identify characteristics of Brazilian-Portuguese videos about ASD (i.e., type of content, number of views, likes, and dislikes); 2) analyze the content of informative videos about ASD, by assessing their trustworthiness and overall quality; and 3) investigate the most popular topics of informative videos about ASD over time.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study that investigated Brazilian-Portuguese ASD content on YouTube. Videos were selected by two examiners and categorized as experiential or informative. The Discern checklist and the Global Quality Score (GQS) were used to analyze the trustworthiness and quality of informative videos.

RESULTS

In total, 216 videos were analyzed, of which 19.5% and 85% were classified as experiential and informative, respectively. The majority of informative videos presented moderate trustworthiness and quality. Videos about ASD clinical aspects were the most popular.

CONCLUSION

YouTube offers a large number of experiential and informative videos on ASD. However, some of these videos fail to present reliable and additional sources of information for stakeholders. Efforts to promote knowledge translation about ASD on YouTube are necessary.

Quality and Reliability Analysis of YouTube Videos on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Claustrophobia

Aim Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-induced anxiety is not infrequent with a reported incidence as high as 37% and the rate of failed MRI imaging due to claustrophobia ranges between 0.5% and 14.5%. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube^TM videos on MRI claustrophobia. Methods Sixty-five videos were included in the final analysis. Video information analyzed included video length (minutes), video content, qualification of the video uploaders, time of upload, time since upload, the number of total views and the mean daily views, and like counts. We divided the videos according to the uploaders into professional and non-professional groups and further grouped the videos as useful and misleading. Data obtained from the videos were evaluated with three tools including subjective evaluation, Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), and Global Quality Scale (GQS) tools. Results The mean video duration was found as 4.14±4.45 minutes. The mean view count was 104.59±408,788.68 and the mean like count was found as 272.55±1096.25. Seventeen (26.15%) videos were uploaded by professionals and 48 (73.85%) by non-professionals. Twenty-eight (43.08%) of the videos were useful and 37 (56.92%) were useless. The mean DISCERN and GQS scores were statistically significantly higher in the professional videos compared to the non-professional videos and in useful videos compared to non-useful videos (for all, p<0.001). Conclusion A majority of the YouTube^TM videos concerning MRI claustrophobia were uploaded by non-professionals. Physicians and other healthcare personnel should be encouraged to provide useful and accurate videos and to direct patients appropriately.

YouTube as a source of information on piriformis syndrome exercises

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of the most viewed YouTube videos on piriformis syndrome (PS) exercises and identify criteria that may be important for selecting high-quality and reliable videos.

Materials and methods

We searched for the keywords "piriformis syndrome exercise," "piriformis syndrome rehabilitation," "piriformis syndrome physical therapy," and "piriformis syndrome physiotherapy" on November 28, 2021. The modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), and the Global Quality Score were used to evaluate the quality and reliability of the videos.

Results

Of the 92 videos evaluated, most (58.7%) of the videos were shared by healthcare professionals. The median mDISCERN score was 3, and most of the videos were found to be medium or low quality. Videos with more subscribers (p=0.001), a shorter upload duration (p=0.001), videos uploaded by physicians (p=0.004), and videos uploaded by other healthcare professionals (p=0.001) were found to have high reliability. Conversely, videos uploaded by independent users were found to have low reliability (p<0.001). When the parameters of the videos were compared among the quality groups, significant differences were found in all video features (p<0.05), some upload sources (other healthcare professionals and independent users; p=0.001), and mDISCERN scores (p<0.001).

Conclusion

It is beneficial for physicians and other health professionals to upload more videos about health to increase the amount of reliable and high-quality information.

YouTube as a Source of Information on Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Reliability and Quality Analysis

Aim This study aimed to assess the quality and reliability of the information in YouTube videos regarding pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). Methods A total of 100 most-viewed videos on PSD were included in the analysis by two general surgeons. Video duration and content, date of upload, qualification of the video uploaders, and number of daily and total view, like, and comment counts were analyzed. We grouped the videos as those uploaded by healthcare professionals and non-professionals. The quality of the video contents was assessed with the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and the reliability of the video content with the DISCERN scoring system. Results Eighty-five (85%) videos were uploaded by professionals and 15 (15%) videos by laypersons. The average DISCERN score of the reviewed video contents was 3.18 ± 1.23, and the average GQS score was 3.39 ± 1.24. In the overall subjective evaluation, the mean DISCERN value was found as 4.01 ± 1.24 and the mean GQS value as 4.25 ± 1.25 in the useful videos. The mean DISCERN value was found as 2.32 ± 1.22 and the mean GQS value as 2.48 ± 1.25 in the misleading videos. Conclusion Our results showed that most of the YouTube videos on PSD were loaded by healthcare professionals. However, the mean quality and reliability scores were lower in videos uploaded by laypersons. Given the prevalence of PSD, physicians should be promoted for uploading accurate and professional video contents to direct patients to the right solutions for their problems.

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.

The Quality, Reliability, and Accuracy of Videos Regarding Exercises and Management for Dysphagia in Pediatric Populations Uploaded on YouTube

Objectives: YouTube is well known for providing easy access to various kinds of video content. In this study, we investigated the quality and reliability of videos on YouTube addressing exercise or dysphagia management in the pediatric population. Methods: Video quality and reliability were assessed by using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and a modified DISCERN tool, respectively. The accuracy of the information in each video was also evaluated. Other information, including the video source, length, date of upload, as well as the number of views, likes, dislikes, and comments were investigated, and statistical significance was determined. Results: In total, 22 videos on exercises and dysphagia management in pediatric populations were evaluated; 36.4% and 72.7% of these videos did not have high quality or reliability, respectively. Moreover, half of the videos did not contain accurate information. Even when videos were created by medical specialists, many of these YouTube videos were of low quality, reliability, and accuracy. Conclusions: The reliability, quality, and accuracy of many videos on exercise or dysphagia management in the pediatric population were low. Video creators, especially medical specialists, should strive to create videos with high quality, reliability, and accuracy.

Exercise interventions in migraine patients: a YouTube content analysis study based on grades of recommendation

Background

Migraine is the second leading cause of disability worldwide, engendering a high economic cost in developed countries. The adverse events related to pharmacological treatment use have increased interest in non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise. YouTube offers a public source of information for migraine patients regarding exercise interventions for migraine improvement. However, this information has not been validated to ensure the quality and validity of its content.

Objective

This qualitative content analysis study aims to review and evaluate YouTube videos regarding exercise for migraine.

Methods

A systematic review of the current evidence regarding exercise for migraine was performed to establish evidence classification and grades of recommendation with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network tool. The data sources were PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, EBSCO, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The quality of YouTube videos on exercise in migraine was reviewed using the Global Quality Scale and DISCERN scale. Finally, the classification in grades of recommendation was used to evaluate the included videos in terms of the various exercise modalities.

Results

The classification into recommendation grades showed a grade B for aerobic exercise, yoga and changes in lifestyle behavior regarding exercise. A total of 129 videos were included. The healthcare and exercise professional authors produced higher quality videos with a significant statistical difference, although the alternative therapists and patients' videos had a greater impact and a higher viewership based on correlation analysis. The evaluation of the videos based on the recommendation grades could only include 90 videos. 71% of these videos showed a B grade of recommendation, which corresponded to fewer than half of the total included videos.

Conclusions

YouTube needs higher quality videos on exercise for migraine, and healthcare and exercise professional authors need to improve their scoping strategies to acquire more views. The authors of YouTube videos should have better access to the best current evidence regarding exercise interventions in migraine.