YouTube as a source of educational information about CPAP use for sleep apnea

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Obstructive sleep apnea is currently the most common sleep breathing disorder worldwide. In recent years, social media has emerged as a major contributor to the spread of health information. With the rise of social video sharing sites such as YouTube, this study aims to investigate the usefulness of YouTube videos as a source of information for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilator users worldwide. Methods: We searched YouTube using the term ‘CPAP’ and reviewed the first 10 pages (200 videos). Descriptive statistics including source, dislikes and likes were recorded. Two physicians independently analyzed the usefulness of the videos using a 10-point criteria checklist to categorize videos as ‘not useful’ (0), ‘moderately useful’ (1–2) and ‘useful’ (3+). Results: One hundred and forty-six relevant videos were analyzed; 10% were identified as ‘useful’, 72% as ‘moderately useful’ and 18% as ‘not useful’. ‘Useful’ videos were the longest (median length: 7 min, IQR: 7) and contained the highest number of median views (67511, IQR: 241019), likes (204, IQR: 999), dislikes (15, IQR: 73), comments (50.50, IQR: 236) and shares (159.50, IQR: 703). No significant difference was found between video source and level of usefulness (chi-square = 6.79, P = 0.341). Conclusions: This study illustrates the possibility of YouTube as a considerable source of information for CPAP users and sleep apnea patients. Given the impact of YouTube with respect to the spread of information, professionals and organizations should strive to provide authentic information regarding CPAP and sleep apnea through the medium of videos.