Quality Analysis of Hallux Valgus Videos on YouTube

The aim of this study was to evaluate the information quality of YouTube videos on hallux valgus.

A YouTube search was performed using the phrase "hallux valgus" to determine the first 300 videos related to hallux valgus. A total of 54 videos met our inclusion criteria and were evaluated for information quality by using DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and hallux valgus information assessment (HAVIA) scores. Number of views, time since the upload date, view rate, number of comments, number of likes, number of dislikes, and video power index values were calculated to determine video popularity. Information regarding video length (in seconds), video source, and video content was also noted. The relation between information quality and these factors were statistically evaluated.

The mean DISCERN score was 30.35 ± 11.56 (poor quality) (range, 14-64), the mean JAMA score was 2.28 ± 0.96 (range, 1-4), and the mean HAVIA score was 3.63 ± 2.42 (moderate quality) (range, 0.5-8.5). Although videos uploaded by physicians had higher mean DISCERN, JAMA, and HAVIA scores than videos uploaded by nonphysicians, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, view rates and video power index values were higher for videos uploaded by health channels, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between video length and DISCERN (r = 0.294; P = .028), and HAVIA scores (r = 0.326; P = .015).

This study demonstrated that the quality of information available on YouTube videos about hallux valgus was low and insufficient. Videos containing accurate information from reliable sources are needed to educate patients on hallux valgus, especially with regard to less frequently mentioned topics such as postoperative complications and healing period.