Evaluation of the Quality and Reliability of YouTube Videos on Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Abstract

To investigate polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)-related YouTube videos’ quality and reliability. We searched the term “polymyalgia rheumatica” on https://www.youtube.com. The most viewed 60 YouTube videos about PMR were analyzed by two independent physiatrists. Study data used in the analysis included upload date, total views, number of likes and comments, length of video, contents of video, source of the uploader, and targeted population. The Global Quality Scale (GQS) and the Modified DISCERN tool were used to assess PMR-related video quality and reliability, respectively. Comparative analyses of video features, quality, and reliability were performed based on source of uploaders (professional and non-professional) and GQS score subgroups. Of the videos analyzed, 76.7% and 61.7% of the uploaded videos were related to symptoms and treatment, respectively, and 65% of the videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals. The median GQS and modified DISCERN tool scores were 3 in professionals and 2 in non-professionals (p< 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). According to the GQS score, there was no significant difference in terms of total views, number of likes, number of comments, and view ratio values between low, moderate, and high quality videos. 35% of the YouTube videos concerning PMR were uploaded by non-professionals with poor reliability and quality. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to produce videos that provide more accurate and high quality information about PMR on this platform. Before being published, YouTube videos should be evaluated objectively for the accurity of their content.