Are YouTube Videos a Reliable Source for Obtaining Information About Colorectal Cancer Screening?

This study aimed to assess the content, quality, and reliability of YouTube videos on colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of death worldwide.

A basic search was conducted on the YouTube^TM website on November 19, 2020, using the English keywords "colorectal cancer screening," without using any filter. The videos were categorized into five groups according to the source and then each video was evaluated by three physicians. The videos were compared in terms of the quality of the information, and their reliability and comprehensiveness, according to the sources.

Of the 137 videos included in the study, 74 (54%) were categorized in the useful information group and 63 (46%) in the misleading information group. It was found that most (47.3%) of the videos in the useful information group were uploaded by academic-based sources. Conversely, most (46%) of the videos in the misleading information group were uploaded by for-profit companies, private hospitals, and medical advertisements. An analysis of the video features according to the upload source revealed that the total views (p=0.023), likes (p=0.004), and viewer engagement with the video (p=0.026) were higher in the public spotlight videos group. Conclusionsː The quality of public spotlight videos with high viewing rates and audience interaction should be increased to inform the public. In addition, there is a need for videos containing comprehensive and accurate information to be uploaded to YouTube, which is an important source of information today, by universities, health organizations, and doctors who do not make a profit (financially) from the results.