Youtube Videos as a Source of Information for Families on 'Basic Newborn Care'

Abstract

Objective: Information obtained from the internet provides speed and convenience, but it can also lead to misinformation and confusion. YouTube is one of the most widely used video websites in Turkey. Therefore, This study sought to assess the information quality available in YouTube videos on neonatal care. Material and Methods: English words "newborn care" and "neonatal care" were used as search terms on the official YouTube website (http://www.youtube.com). The first 200 videos were downloaded and videos that did not comply with the evaluation criteria were deactivated. Video uploaders were categorized as doctors, nurses, health professionals other than doctors and nurses, television programs/news agencies, health and medical information websites, and others. Videos were analyzed by two independent reviewers. Videos were evaluated according to the modified DISCERN, JAMA, and Global Quality Score. Results: A total of 29 videos were included in the study. Two of the videos (6.8%) were obtained from non-health websites. Others were created by health organizations and or healthcare workers. The mean modified DISCERN score of the videos was 28±6. Of these videos, 11 (38%) were rated as very good, 10(34%) as good, 5 (17%) as moderate and 3 (10%) as non- qualified. The mean JAMA score was 1.0±0.9. Conclusion: Videos uploaded mostly by health care workers and health organizations and not including advertisements were found to be informative enough by 90%. Choosing the uploaders carefully to access reliable health information is of utmost importance for supplying qualified information.