The usefulness and reliability of English-language YouTube videos as a source of knowledge for patients with familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract

Background/Objectives YouTube is increasingly being used as an educational tool and is a substantial source of information. This study aimed to assess the quality of the most viewed YouTube videos pertaining to familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Methods A search on YouTube was conducted on January 13, 2022, using the keywords: “familial Mediterranean fever treatment,” “familial Mediterranean fever colchicine,” and “familial Mediterranean fever colchicine opacalcium.” Two rheumatologists independently evaluated the relevance and accuracy of the videos. Redundant or irrelevant videos were excluded. The educational value of YouTube videos was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Comparative analyses of video parameters across different cohorts were performed. To assess the reliability and quality of the videos, a modified version of the DISCERN scale and the GQS were employed. Results Out of the 59 videos reviewed, 43 (72.9%) were of high quality, 10 (16.9%) were of medium quality, and 6 (10.2%) were of low quality. Upon comparing parameters among groups, no significant disparities were observed in terms of daily views, daily favorites, daily dislikes, or daily comments (p > 0.05). GQS scores for usefulness and modified DISCERN scores showed significant differences among groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, both GQS and modified DISCERN scores exhibited moderately negative correlations (r =  − .450 and r =  − .474, respectively) and high statistical significance (p < 0.001 for both) with utility assessment. Conclusion YouTube is a valuable repository of high-quality videos for FMF patients. Healthcare providers should guide their patients to high-quality video sources to supplement their educational material.