A Quality Analysis Of Low Back Pain Videos On Youtube

Abstract

Background: Most people face low back pain problems at least once in their lifetimes. With the advancing technology, people have been consulting the internet regarding their diagnoses more and more over the last 20 years. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of YouTube videos on low back pain. Methods: The keyword “Low Back Pain” was used in our search on YouTube. The first 50 videos to come up in the search results were evaluated using JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS scoring systems. The individual correlation of each video and the correlation between the aforementioned scoring systems were statistically analyzed. Results: The average length of the 50 videos that were analyzed is 7,57 minutes (0,34 – 48,23 minutes), and the average daily view count of the videos is 331,14. Generally, video quality was found to be “poor”. On average, JAMA score was 1,64, DISCERN score was 1,63 and GQS score was 1,93. The most common videos found on the subject were those that were done by TV programs. And, videos by health information websites and by Hospitals / Doctors / Educational Institutions were, while still being below the threshold value, found to give higher quality information on the subject than the videos by other sources. Conclusion: Videos on YouTube regarding low back pain are of low quality, and most are created by unreliable sources. Therefore, such YouTube videos should not be recommended as patient education tools on low back pain. An important step in disseminating correct medical information to the public would be to have a platform where the accuracy and quality of given medical information are evaluated by medical experts.

Paradigm shift: Beyond the COVID‐19 era, is YouTube the future of education for CABG patients?

“…A growing body of literature has found that the quality of YouTube videos on various health issues is low 8–23 . Cardiac Surgery is complex in nature, and the informed consent process is likewise.…”

“…A growing body of literature has found that the quality of YouTube videos on various health issues is low. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Cardiac Surgery is complex in nature, and the informed consent process is likewise. Due to COVID-19 related restrictions on access to traditional healthcare, more patients undergoing Cardiac Surgery may be using YouTube for education.…”