Evaluation of YouTube Video Content Related to the Management of Hypoglycemia

Objective Hypoglycemia is a syndrome characterized by decreased blood glucose levels and can result in morbidity and mortality. Often, patients seek information about hypoglycemia from the Internet and especially YouTube. The objective of this study was to investigate the quality and reliability of the 50 most viewed videos related to hypoglycemia on YouTube. Methods The links of 50 videos that met the criteria were copied to spreadsheet software. Attributes of the uploaders, the content of the videos, their screening time, the date they were uploaded, the number of days since the upload date, the number of daily views, comments, likes, dislike, and video power indexes were recorded. The videos were assessed by two independent emergency specialists using DISCERN and global quality scales (GQS). Results Of the selection, 27 (54%) videos were uploaded by health channels, 11 (22%) by physicians, nine (18%) by hospital channels, and three (6%) by patients. Furthermore, 30 (60%) of these 50 videos were real-content videos and 20 (40%) were animations. The average DISCERN score given by the researchers to 50 videos was 3.72 ± 0.90 (min-max: 1-5) and the average GQS score was 3.65 ± 0.88. Mean video power index (VPI) value was determined as 92.64 ± 11. According to Pearson’s analysis, there was a good agreement between the two observers. Conclusion Videos uploaded by physicians were useful. However, health videos should only be uploaded by physicians. Uploading videos with content that the patients and their relatives can clearly understand is of paramount importance.