Quality of Information in YouTube Videos on Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Introduction: YouTube videos are commonly used by patients to learn more about their diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of YouTube video content on lateral epicondylitis (LE). Methods: We performed a search on YouTube using the keyword “lateral epicondylitis”. The video source, video content, video duration, time since upload, number of views, comments, likes, and dislikes were recorded and evaluated. The popularity of the videos was determined using the Video Power Index (VPI). The quality and instructional value of the video were evaluated using the Global Quality Score (GQS), Lateral Epicondylitis Video Quality Score (LEVS), and DISCERN. Results: Fifty-two of the 200 videos reviewed met the inclusion criteria. According to the video source, academic and physician videos had the highest quality, with no significant difference in DISCERN, GQS, or LEVS (p>0.05). VPI was significantly higher in physiotherapist videos than in academic and physician videos (p<0.05). The correlation between the video duration and quality score was significantly positive. The mean DISCERN, GQS, and LEVS scores for all included videos was respectively 41.7±19.6 (range: 15-75), 2.8±1.6 (range: 1-5), 5.7±2.8 (range: 2-10), respectively, indicating moderate quality. DISCERN scores, GQS, and LEVS given to videos by 2 independent physicians were strongly correlated (respectively r=0.963, r=0.918, r=0.914; and p<0.001 for all). Conclusion: Although the videos of academics and physicians are of high quality, their viewing rates are low. YouTube videos on LE are of moderate quality.

Keywords

• youtube videos
• lateral epicondylitis
• discern score
• quality
• internet