Reliability evaluation of periodontal disease oral health information on YouTube

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the form, reliability, and quality of information related to periodontal diseases shared on YouTube. Methods: On october 23, 2023, we conducted searches on YouTube using four keywords related to periodontal diseases. The searches retrieved a total of 394 videos from the first five pages for each keyword. Of these, 151 were included in the analysis. Videos were categorized based on the source and usefulness of the information, and their reliability and quality were assessed. Results: Analysis of the information sources revealed that medical websites or TV channels (45.7%) were the most prevalent, whereas commercial websites (2.0%) were the least prevalent. Videos uploaded by physician or hospitals (3.08±0.48) and medical websites or TV channels (3.01±0.94) demonstrated higher reliability. Videos categorized as having good and excellent quality were predominantly from physician or hospital sources (88.2%). Useful information related to periodontal diseases was available in 85.4% of videos, with physician or hospital sources contributing the highest proportion of useful information (52.7%). Conclusions: Videos from physician or hospital sources provide high-quality useful and reliable information. To ensure the provision of more useful and accurate information, the involvement and interest of experts are deemed essential.