Is it safe? Health promotion videos on YouTube and the safety of viewers – Views from Ghana

Abstract

Objectives: Health promotion videos are trending and abundant. Information provided in these videos is not verified by any designated experts but is popular. In this paper we discuss the prevalence of such videos and guide patients on how to verify their authenticity. The paper accepts that these videos are abundant and necessary in an age driven by open access to information and commercial interests. Methods: The paper uses evidence from previous studies and observations of authors to propose the inclusion of YouTube in the health promotion toolkit of Ghanaian and African health systems. Results: The paper proposes the improvement of health literacy and patient-caregiver communication in preparation for an active role for YouTube as a health promotion tool. Conclusions: For patients, the paper recommends improved health literacy and communication with caregivers as an effective safety mechanism against misleading content. Caregivers are advised to accommodate patient views influenced by YouTube videos and be active participants in online spaces. Research on health literacy and effective patient-caregiver communication is recommended.

Keywords

• YouTube
• Health promotion
• Patient-caregiver communication
• Patients
• Caregivers
• Health literacy