YouTube video analysis as a source of information for patients on impacted canine

To investigate video content on YouTube™ related to impacted canine and impacted canine surgery.

In this cross-sectional study, the term "impacted canine tooth" was searched on YouTube™. After excluding duplicates, irrelevant videos, non-English-language videos, no audio-no video contents, sixty-one videos were independently examined by 3 reviewers. Videos were categorized as "not useful", "slightly useful", "moderately useful", and "very useful" by using an 8-point score list for evaluating the value of the videos in providing patients information about impacted canine teeth and surgery. Chi-square test was performed for categorical variables and differences between groups were compared with Kruskal-Wallis. Correlations were analysed using Spearman test. Statistical significance was set P<0.05.

Most of the videos, 42.6%, n=26 were uploaded by healthcare professionals [dentists, orthodontists, surgeons] and 29,5%, n=18 were uploaded by laypersons for sharing personal experiences. There were 3 [4.9%] not useful videos, 15 [24.5%] slightly useful videos, 27 [44.2%] moderately useful videos, and 16 [26.2%] very useful videos. There was no significant difference between the viewing rate according to the source of upload [P=0.398>0.05]. There was a significant difference between the interaction index according to the source of upload. This difference was in the laypersons and the others [.033<05].

Healthcare specialists should be aware of the content of the video-sharing platforms and direct their patients to correct and reliable e-information resources.