Evaluation of youtube videos about hashimoto’s thyroiditis in terms of quality and reliability

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of Turkish YouTube videos about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This cross-sectional study was carried out using the first 66 videos, sorted according to the relevance, obtained following a video search performed on June 18, 2020, by typing ‘Hashimoto thyroiditis’ on YouTube. The quality and reliability of included YouTube videos were evaluated by two independent researchers using DISCERN, Global Quality Score [GQS] and JAMA criteria. The GQS2 scores of the patient (p=0.035), other healthcare personnel (p=0.019) and non-endocrinologist videos (p=0.028) were lower than those of endocrinologist videos (p=0.03). DISCERN2 scores of non-endocrinologist doctor (p=0.014), other healthcare personnel (p=0.022) and patient (p=0.008) videos were lower than those of endocrinologist videos (p<0.05). The number of views (p=0.002) and subscribers (p=0.007) of channels belonging to the institution or doctors were less than those of other groups. A positive correlation was found between video duration and number of likes (r=0.47), number of dislikes (r=0.28), JAMA1 (r=0.28), JAMA2 (r=0.29), DISCERN1 (r=0.27) and DISCERN2 (r=0.26). A positive correlation was found between the number of views and number of likes (r=0.82), dislikes (r=0.90) and subscribers (r=0.49). A positive correlation was found between JAMA1, JAMA2, GQS1, GQS2, DISCERN1 and DISCERN2 scores. The quality and reliability of endocrinologist videos for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were greater. The quality and reliability of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis videos were not related to their popularity. YouTube videos published by doctors can serve as a quality and reliable learning interface about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.