Reliability and Accuracy of YouTube Peri-Implantitis Videos as an Educational Source for Patients in Population-Based Prevention Strategies

Abstract

Considering the need to improve patient knowledge, awareness, and compliance for peri-implantitis prevention, and patients’ demand for better, quick, and convenient access to medical information, the present study primarily assessed the reliability and accuracy of YouTube videos on peri-implantitis and secondarily evaluated their educational value for the patients, and the related suitability, as part of population-based preventive strategies, to deliver valid information, potentially capable of improving patient knowledge and educational skills. This study’s protocol was developed in advance, and computer history and cookies were cleared to avoid limitations based on preferred user histories. The search term “peri-implantitis” was defined using the Google Trends website, and videos were searched on YouTube on 5 December 2022. Video inclusion and data collection were conducted by independent pre-calibrated investigators. Descriptive statistics were performed on the videos’ characteristics, source, category, target audience, popularity, source reliability, video information and quality (VIQI), content, and educational value. Pearson’s correlation between educational value and all parameters was calculated. Videos with very low/low and medium/good/excellent educational value were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. A total of 44 videos with medium values for popularity, VIQI, content, and educational value were analyzed. Most videos covered peri-implantitis treatment rather than etiology and prevention, about half were uploaded by dentists/specialists, and only 10% specifically targeted patients. Only 2% of YouTube videos about peri-implantitis had excellent educational value, and 5% had good educational value. Video educational value was correlated with VIQI and content beyond video length and source reliability. When comparing the very low/low and medium/good/excellent educational value YouTube videos on peri-implantitis, a significant difference was found in the Video Information and Quality Index, VIQI, and video content.