Evaluating the quality, utility, and reliability of the information in uveitis videos shared on YouTube

Background This study aimed to analyze the quality of videos on YouTube as educational resources about uveitis. Methods An online YouTube search was performed using the keyword "uveitis". Total view counts, duration of videos, publishing dates, likes and dislikes, numbers of comments, and source of videos were recorded. The quality and accuracy of the video's educational content were evaluated using the DISCERN score, Global Quality Score (GQS), and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) score. Video power index (VPI) was used to evaluate both the view and the like ratio of the videos. All videos were classified according to publishers and types of categories. Results From among the 200 videos analyzed, 94 were included. The mean DISCERN score was 38.5 +/- 13.2 (poor), the mean JAMA score was 1.8 +/- 0.6 (fair), and the GQS was 2.5 +/- 0.9 (fair). There were positive correlations between the three checklists (p < .001). VPI was not correlated with each score (p > .05). The most common upload sources were ophthalmologists (24.4%) and YouTube channels about health (20.2%). Regarding content, we identified 47 (50%) medical education, 26 (27.6%) patient education, 16 (17%) patient experience, and five (5.3%) surgical procedure videos involving patients with uveitis. While the most popular videos were uploaded by doctors other than ophthalmologists, the videos uploaded by academic institutions and associations of healthcare professional were found to have higher educational quality and reliability scores. Conclusions Uveitis videos on YouTube are of poor quality and reliability and are not adequately educational for patients. Therefore, physicians must be aware of the limitations of YouTube and ensure the flow of correct medical information to patients.