Anoplasty and information pollution in health on YouTube

Year 2023, , 1302 - 1306, 29.10.2023

Ömer Bilgehan Poyrazoğlu

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1357063

Abstract

Aims: One of the most fundamental human rights is the right to information. The aim of our study is to investigate the accuracy, reliability and comprehensibility of the videos made on YouTube about anal stenosis. However, users often do not question this information's accuracy, adequacy, and efficiency. Anal stenosis is a disease that we frequently encounter for iatrogenic reasons, especially after post hemorrhoidectomy. When many publications are reviewed, anal stenosis can be seen in 1.2%-10% of patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.
Methods: Our study primarily and mainly YouTube videos about anoplasty published in English were preferred. However, when sufficient videos could not be reached scientifically, other videos were translated into English and included in the study. As of March 1, 2021, "anoplasty" was typed into the youtube search engine, and Thirty-eight videos of the most relevant videos on this subject were examined.JAMA,DISCERN,GQS was used for assessment in this study.
Result: The averages of the JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS fitness parameters used in the study were found to be 2.55 (1-4), 36.58 (18-59), and 2.84 (1-5), respectively. Of the 38 videos evaluated, 7 got 5 points according to GQS, and 8 got 4 points according to JAMA. According to DISCERN, none of them got full points. It could get a maximum of 59 points. It was also a single video. A statistically significant relationship was found among these parameters (GQS, JAMA, DISCERN) (p<.05). There was no significant relationship between view rate, like rate, and VP index. No statistically significant relationship was found in comparing these parameters with the individual GQS, JAMA, DISCERN scores. (p > .05 )
Conclusion: We believe that this study will contribute to those who will share about health on YouTube within the framework of more accurate and scientific rules; therefore, it will raise awareness. Primarily this is necessary and essential for videos made in the name of health.

Keywords

Anal stenosis, health, YouTube, surgery, information pollution

Ethical Statement

Because animals and humans were not included in this study, the study was not confirm by the ethics committee.

Thanks

Hacı Bolat, Selim Cınaroglu, Asistant Prof. For suggestions

References

• Fox S. The social life of health information, 2011. California Healthcare Foundation, 2011. Available at: http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Social‐Life‐of‐Health‐Info.aspx
• Naslund JA, Grande SW, Aschbrenner KA, Elwyn G. Naturally occurring peer support through social media: the experiences of individuals with severe mental illness using YouTube. PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e110171.
• Fox S, Rainie, L. The online health care revolution: How the web helps Americans take better care of themselves. Washington, DC: Pew Charitable Trusts. 2000. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2000/11/26/the-online-health-care-revolution/
• Samuel N, Alotaibi NM, Lozano AM. YouTube as a Source of Information on Neurosurgery. World Neurosurg. 2017;105:394-398.
• Dubey D, Amritphale A, Sawhney A, Dubey D, Srivastav N. Analysis of YouTube as a source of information for West Nile Virus infection. Clin Med Res. 2014;12(3-4):129-132.
• Statistics for YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/yt/press. Accessed April 23, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/yt/press
• Kunst H, Groot D, Latthe PM, Latthe M, Khan KS. Accuracy of information on apparently credible websites: survey of five common health topics. BMJ. 2002;324(7337):581-582.
• Aydın M, Mert A. YouTube’da lateral epikondilit videolarının değerlendirilmesi. Bagcilar Med Bull. 2021;6:390-396.
• Mert A, Bozgeyik B. Quality and content analysis of carpal tunnel videos on YouTube. Indian J Orthop. 2021;56(1):73-78.
• Brisinda G. How to treat haemorrhoids. Prevention is best; haemorrhoidectomy needs skilled operators. BMJ. 2000;321(7261): 582-583.
• Maria G, Brisinda G, Civello IM. Anoplasty for the treatment of anal stenosis. Am J Surg. 1998;175(2):158-160.
• Greenberg L, D'Andrea G, Lorence D. Setting the public agenda for online health search: a white paper and action agenda. J Med Internet Res. 2004;6(2):e18.
• Keelan J, Pavri-Garcia V, Tomlinson G, Wilson K. YouTube as a source of information on immunization: a content analysis. JAMA. 2007;298(21):2482-2484.
• Madathil KC, Rivera-Rodriguez AJ, Greenstein JS, Gramopadhye AK. Healthcare information on YouTube: A systematic review. Health Informatics J. 2015;21(3):173-194.
• Sommerhalder K, Abraham A, Zufferey MC, Barth J, Abel T. Internet information and medical consultations: experiences from patients' and physicians' perspectives. Patient Educ Couns. 2009;77(2):266-271.
• Casadesus D, Villasana LE, Diaz H, et al. Treatment of anal stenosis: a 5-year review. ANZ J Surg. 2007;77(7):557-559.
• Habr-Gama A, Sobrado CW, de Araújo SE, et al. Surgical treatment of anal stenosis: assessment of 77 anoplasties. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2005;60(1):17-20.