Xigua Video as a Source of Information on Breast Cancer: Content Analysis

Abstract

Background Seeking health information on the internet is a popular trend. Xigua Video, a short video platform in China, ranks among the most accessed websites in the country and hosts an increasing number of videos with medical information. However, the nature of these videos is frequently unscientific, misleading, or even harmful. Objective Little is known about Xigua Video as a source of information on breast cancer. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the contents, quality, and reliability of breast cancer–related content on Xigua Video. Methods On February 4, 2020, a Xigua Video search was performed using the keyword “breast cancer.” Videos were categorized by 2 doctors based on whether the video content provided useful or misleading information. Furthermore, the reliability and quality of the videos were assessed using the 5-point DISCERN tool and 5-point global quality score criteria. Results Out of the 170 videos selected for the study, 64 (37.6%) were classified as useful, whereas 106 (62.4%) provided misleading information. A total of 41.8% videos (71/170) were generated by individuals compared to 19.4% videos (33/170) contributed by health care professionals. The topics mainly covered etiology, anatomy, symptoms, preventions, treatments, and prognosis. The top topic was “treatments” (119/170, 70%). The reliability scores and global quality scores of the videos in the useful information group were high (P<.001). No differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of video length, duration in months, and comments. The number of total views was higher for the misleading information group (819,478.5 vs 647,940) but did not reach a level of statistical significance (P=.112). The uploading sources of the videos were mainly health care professionals, health information websites, medical advertisements, and individuals. Statistical differences were found between the uploading source groups in terms of reliability scores and global quality scores (P<.001). In terms of total views, video length, duration, and comments, no statistical differences were indicated among the said groups. However, a statistical difference was noted between the useful and misleading information video groups with respect to the uploading sources (P<.001). Conclusions A large number of Xigua videos pertaining to breast cancer contain misleading information. There is a need for accurate health information to be provided on Xigua Video and other social media; health care professionals should address this challenge.

Quality of online video resources concerning patient education for neck pain: A YouTube-based quality-control study

“…In addition, multiple linear regression analysis also supported that ownership (academic uploaders) is an important influencing factors that can be used to improve the reliability and quality of YouTube videos. This finding is consistent with those of other studies ( 31 , 51 ). This may be explained by the fact that experts have more specialized knowledge, as well as the list of additional sources of information attached.…”

“…However, in our study, only 16% (8/50) of videos were uploaded by professionals. Considering that professionals upload more high-quality videos ( 31 , 51 ) and that most videos are uploaded by unqualified individuals and are not peer-reviewed, this may be the major reason why our study contradicted the minority of studies. In addition, in our study, particularly striking was the average NPSS of 2.90, with a maximum score of 18, highlighting the dilemma of the current video's lack of discussion of information specific to neck pain.…”

“…Most videos are uploaded by unqualified individuals and are not peer-reviewed, leading to the dissemination of inaccurate and low-quality data. Many studies have reported that a high percentage of videos posted on YouTube even provide misleading information ( 50 , 51 ). The alarming state of YouTube platforms can easily lead to misinterpretation between patients and their doctors, hindering patients from proper selection and timely treatment, which may worsen their conditions.…”

Youtube English videos as a source of information on shoulder exercise after breast cancer surgery

“…This shows that videos with useful content are aired longer. As expected, the videos with useful information included in our study had higher reliability, comprehensiveness, and GQS scores than misleading videos, which is consistent with the results of studies conducted with a similar methodology in the literature [21, 23,36,37,[39][40][41].…”

“…These data are similar to those reported by Tolu et al in a study investigating YouTube videos on anti-tumor necrosis factor agent injections [36]. In other studies on breast cancer self-examination videos by Esen et al and breast cancer videos by Pan et al, it was stated that the videos with misleading content were more common [21,37]. However, it should be kept in mind that the popularity of a video on YouTube can easily change, and when a keyword is searched, the results are sorted according to popularity by the algorithm used by YouTube [38].…”