YouTube™ as a source of parents' information for craniosynostosis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the content, reliability and quality levels of YouTube™ videos regarding craniosynostosis for parents' information.

Methods: A keyword search for 'craniosynostosis' was conducted on YouTube, and the uniform resource locators of the first 160 videos were initially recorded and evaluated. Ninety-four videos that met the inclusion criteria were analysed. Each video received a score ranging from 0 to 9 points, classifying them as low-content (0-3), moderate-content (4-6) and high-content (7-9). The reliability scores adapted from DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) scores were recorded.

Results: The median content score for the videos was 4. According to the content scores, 34% of included videos (n = 32) were classified as low-content, 60.6% (n = 57) as moderate-content, and 5.3% (n = 5) as high-content. The median reliability score for the videos was 3, and the median GQS score was 3. The reliability and quality levels of videos classified as high-content and moderate-content were significantly superior to low-content videos (P < .05). Laypersons were identified as the most frequent source of information in the videos. However, most of the videos lacked information about syndromic/non-syndromic forms and specific complications. The importance of early referral/timing of surgery and minimally invasive surgical treatment techniques was mentioned in all high-content videos.

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that YouTube™ in its current format, is not a fully trustable source for parents seeking information on craniosynostosis. Craniofacial units must increase the content, quality and reliability level of videos on craniosynostosis.

Keywords: YouTube™; craniofacial; craniosynostosis; healthcare information; social media.