Evaluation of the reliability,informational content,and quality of YouTube videos on cervical disc herniation

Abstract

Background

YouTube has become a widely used resource for patients and healthcare professionals seeking information on cervical disc herniation. However, the reliability and quality of online content show substantial variability.

Objective

To evaluate the reliability, informational content and quality of YouTube videos related to cervical disc herniation.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included YouTube videos related to cervical disc herniation, identified through searches using the terms “cervical disc herniation,” “disc herniation of cervical spine,” and “herniated cervical disc.” Video characteristics such as duration, views, likes, comments, and content creator profiles were recorded. Reliability and quality were assessed using the DISCERN instrument, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and the Global Quality Scale (GQS).

Results

A total of 300 videos (100 for each search term) were initially retrieved. After excluding duplicates, non-English, irrelevant, or very short videos, 104 unique videos were included in the study. Of the included videos, 41.3% were uploaded by physicians, 30.7% by non-physician healthcare professionals, 14.4% by medical channels, 8.7% by healthcare institutions, and 4.8% by patients. The mean DISCERN score was 35.3 ± 7.6, the mean JAMA score was 2.4 ± 0.6, and the mean GQS score was 3.5 ± 0.8, indicating generally poor to fair quality. The median (range) scores were 35.0 (17.0–58.0) for DISCERN, 2.0 (1.0–4.0) for JAMA, and 4.0 (1.0–5.0) for GQS. According to JAMA, 55.8% of the videos scored 2 points, reflecting low reliability, while only 2.9% achieved the maximum score of 4. In GQS, 52.9% were rated as high quality, 38.5% as moderate, and 8.6% as low. Correlation analyses showed that longer video duration was positively associated with higher DISCERN (r = 0.41–0.57, p < 0.001), JAMA (r = 0.36, p < 0.001), and GQS scores (r = 0.35, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Most of the included YouTube videos on cervical disc herniation demonstrated low to moderate reliability. These findings emphasize the need for healthcare professionals and patients to critically appraise such content, and they highlight the importance of developing higher-quality, evidence-based online educational resources.