An Assessment of Educational Content and an Audience Engagement Analysis of Dry Eye Disease Videos on YouTube

Abstract

This study addresses the growing interest in Dry Eye Disease (DED) by evaluating the quality of DED videos on YouTube, gauging audience engagement, and identifying factors influencing viewership. In this cross-sectional study, we collected videos, during July to September 2023, using the keyword ‘dry eye’. A data collection form, including general characteristics and audience engagement metrics, was employed. Two medical experts rated the videos using Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool-Audio Visual (PEMAT-A/V) and custom clinical scoring tool. Among the total 52 videos assessed, 80.8% of speakers were Medical Doctors. Regarding symptoms, only 21.2% of videos mentioned excessive tearing and 34.6% stated blurry vision. The majority (69.2%) mentioned eye drops as a treatment. Lifestyle modification and limiting screen use were addressed by only 34.6% of videos. Out of the total 20, mean clinical index score was 7.5 (±5.4). The mean understandability (total = 11) and actionability (total = 3) scores were 8.1 (±2.0) and 1.7 (±0.98), respectively. Among PEMAT-A/V individual items, only 13.5% offered content summaries, and 23.5% explained actions explicitly. The number of likes, comments and views were significantly higher for the videos with higher understandability and actionability scores. The videos performed well on understandability items; however, explicit actionable items need to be included in videos. Moreover, the public views more and likes understandable and actionable videos. To maximize benefit to the audience, we recommend healthcare professionals use the PEMAT-A/V guidelines for health education content.