The quality and reliability of YouTube video content about gingival recession on different time periods

Gingival recession is a mucogingival problem that can cause esthetic concerns and sensitivity. While some patients remain unaware of it, others seek solutions through various means. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the role of social media in accessing health information. The frequent use of YouTube has prompted researchers to evaluate its contents quality and reliability. This study aims to examine this issue by comparing two periods: before and after COVID-19.

The first 100 videos for the keyword 'receding gums' shared in 2019 and 2024 were analyzed. A total of 23 and 35 videos were included, respectively. Quality was evaluated using Video Quality Index (VIQI) and Global Quality Scale (GQS), reliability with DISCERN and Modified DISCERN and content through an approach developed by the authors. Videos were also assessed based on their characteristics and sources. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 26.0. For two-group comparisons, independent sample t-tests were applied to normally distributed data, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed data. Categorical variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test. Correlations between variables were examined using Spearman's correlation analysis.

According to content analysis, useful videos were found to have higher scores of quality and reliability indices in both the 2019 and 2024 groups (p < 0.001). In 2024, the amount of videos uploaded by dental professionals was significantly more 'useful' compared to those from other sources (p = 0.45). There was a tendency of increase in sharing videos by healthcare professionals following the COVID-19 pandemic.