YouTube as a source of information about COVID-19 for children: Content quality, reliability, and audience participation analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the content quality, reliability, and audience participation analysis of YouTube videos as a source of information about COVID-19 for children. Design and methods: This study was conducted in a descriptive design. The keywords "COVID-19, explain, children" were searched on the YouTube platform on March 17, 2021, and 294 videos were reviewed. The content of the selected videos was analyzed by 2 independent reviewers. Meet the inclusion criteria, 57 videos were evaluated according to the presenter source and the presented audience with the COVID-19 for Children Checklist (CCC), DISCERN score and the Global Quality Score (GQS). Results: When the contents of 57 videos included in the study were reviewed, it was determined that 56.1% (n = 32) were informative and 43.9% (n = 25) were misleading. Kappa value among the two independent observers was 0.89. 17.5% (n = 10) of the videos scored 5 points from DISCERN and 31.6% (n = 18) scored 4 points from GQS. The mean scores of GQS, DISCERN and CCC of videos with the grouped as informative were found to be statistically higher. There was a significant difference between the DISCERN mean score of ministry/academic/ hospital/physician channel videos was higher than the mean score of entertainment/individual channel videos. Conclusions: This study has shown that videos explaining COVID-19 to children have high viewing rates, but also videos that are low in terms of quality and reliability. Practice implications: It is thought that this study will reduce the rates of hospitalization by protecting children from COVID-19 by providing them access to healthier and more reliable sources.

A content analysis of the reliability and quality of Youtube videos as a source of information on health-related post-COVID pain

“…Studies in the literature point out that the sources of YouTube videos are diverse and the quality of videos varies with the source. A study by Azak et al (2022) evaluated YouTube videos on COVID-19 in children and, in line with the results of our study, found that DISCERN scores were higher in videos uploaded by academic sources and lower in news videos; they found the difference to be statistically significant. Similarly, Li et al (2020) evaluated YouTube videos on COVID-19 and found that, entertainment news videos had low reliability and quality than government/Professional videos, along with low DISCERN and JAMA scores.…”

Policy responses to false and misleading digital content

“…Policy and regulatory responses that reduce economic and structural drivers of false or misleading content. These include competition measures, as have been seen in Australia (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, 2020 [109]) and France (Autorité de la concurrence, 2020 [110]); promoting quality and safety in platform design that, for example, promote the development of tests, standards and processes to support responsible business conduct and promote safety and quality of digital services (Forum on Information and Democracy, 2020 [111]); and promoting and maintaining a diverse and independent media sector through anti-monopoly measures and fostering fair competition.…”

Kesedaran Rakyat Malaysia Mengenai Rukun Negara Hanya Bermusim?: Kajian Infodemiologi Berasaskan Google Trends

“…Penggunaan Azak, Şahin, Korkmaz, & Yıldız, 2021). Golongan muda juga lebih mudah untuk mengekspresikan pandangan mereka menggunakan video (Ying & Baboo, 2015).…”