A quality analysis of nocturnal enuresis videos on YouTube

The internet is a popular area for collecting medical information and YouTube is one of the largest platforms used worldwide in this regard.

The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of nocturnal enuresis videos on YouTube.

In this cross-sectional study, a YouTube search was made by using the keyword "nocturnal enuresis" and the first 200 videos were examined according to their relevance. Video features (like, dislike, number of views, video length, upload source, etc.) were evaluated by 2 independent urologists. Individual correlations and inter-observer agreement of data for each video were statistically analyzed. The education quality of the mentioned videos was evaluated according to the JAMA, Global Quality Scale and DISCERN scoring system.

A total number of 93 videos were analyzed after they were sorted according to the exclusion criteria. Videos were uploaded by the physicians (49.5%) most commonly and the majority of their content was about etiology, symptoms and treatment (33.3%). Good agreement between the 2 urologists in terms of JAMA, GQS and DISCERN scores (0.84, 0.86 and 0.85, respectively) was determined. There was a positive correlation between the duration of the video and GQS/DISCERN scores. Of the 93 videos evaluated, 74 (80%) contained real images (video of the presenter) while 19 (20%) contained animation. There was no statistically significant correlation between the GQS, JAMA and DISCERN scores in terms of VPI values, view rate, number of comments, views, likes and dislikes (Summary Table). Of the 93 videos evaluated, 58% (n = 54) were of low quality, 16.2% (n = 15) were of intermediate quality, and 25.8% (n = 24) were of high quality according to GQS scale. There was a positive correlation between GQS, JAMA and DISCERN scores.

Unfortunately, most of the YouTube contents about nocturnal enuresis were determined to have poor quality. Therefore, the healthcare professionals must be aware of the importance of health-related information on YouTube and ensure the flow of correct medical information to patients.