Version 1
: Received: 16 October 2023 / Approved: 17 October 2023 / Online: 18 October 2023 (03:08:56 CEST)
How to cite:
Jeon, D. Comparing the Reliability of Medical Information on YouTube
: An Analysis Based on Keywords and Assessment Tools. Preprints2023, 2023101007. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202310.1007.v1
Jeon, D. Comparing the Reliability of Medical Information on YouTube
: An Analysis Based on Keywords and Assessment Tools. Preprints 2023, 2023101007. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202310.1007.v1
Jeon, D. Comparing the Reliability of Medical Information on YouTube
: An Analysis Based on Keywords and Assessment Tools. Preprints2023, 2023101007. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202310.1007.v1
APA Style
Jeon, D. (2023). Comparing the Reliability of Medical Information on YouTube
: An Analysis Based on Keywords and Assessment Tools. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202310.1007.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Jeon, D. 2023 "Comparing the Reliability of Medical Information on YouTube
: An Analysis Based on Keywords and Assessment Tools" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202310.1007.v1
Abstract
Introduction
With the global population increasingly relying on the internet for information, YouTube has emerged as a significant platform for communication and information sharing, particularly in the field of medicine. However, concerns persist regarding the reliability and quality of medical information on YouTube, given the lack of regulation and guidelines. This study aims to systematically evaluate the reliability of health-related information on YouTube.
Methods:
Data collection was conducted in September 2023 on YouTube, with stringent selection criteria for videos. Videos were evaluated using the "Internet Health Information Certification Standards" by the Korean Medical Association and the Global Quality Scale. A plastic surgeon assessed information quality based on specific criteria. The study analyzed the influence of keywords on information accessibility and compared the evaluation tools.
Results:
76 Korean search results were analyzed using keywords. Certified South Korean medical providers appeared more in "ptosis surgery" results (50%) than "droopy eyelid diagnosis" (5%). Medical professionals produced 86.7% of videos, with some non-medical content. "Ptosis surgery" had the highest KMA scale score (16.3), "droopy eyelid diagnosis" the lowest (13.8). Out of 76 videos, 39 by plastic surgeons, 20 by ophthalmologists, and 5 by dermatologists. A GQS comparison showed specialists with higher scores (3.12) than non-specialists (1.53).
Conclusion:
YouTube and similar platforms offer valuable access to medical information, but quality and reliability remain significant concerns. Collaborative efforts from government agencies, medical organizations, and users are essential to enhance the quality of online health information. Users should also cultivate critical thinking skills to discern trustworthy information.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
