Research Article

Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS

Volume: 9 Number: 1 January 5, 2026
EN TR

Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the information quality and characteristics of videos related to “headache” on YouTube. Methods: A search was conducted on YouTube using the keyword “headache,” and the first 100 videos were listed. Repetitive, promotional, and videos shorter than 2 minutes were excluded; 72 videos were included in the analysis. The videos were evaluated by two researchers using DISCERN, JAMA, and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). The number of views, likes, duration, and uploader type were recorded. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The average video duration was 8.4±3.2 minutes, and the average number of views was 45,200±18,600. Thirty-eight percent of the videos were uploaded by physicians/institutions, and 62% were uploaded by individual users. The mean GQS score was 2.3±0.9 (moderate quality), DISCERN 31.2±7.5, and JAMA 2.1±0.8. Professional content had significantly higher quality scores (p<0.01). There was no significant relationship between the number of views and quality (p=0.37). Conclusion: Most headache videos on YouTube are of low-to-moderate quality. Physicians should consider that information obtained by patients from online sources may not be reliable; healthcare professionals should produce higher-quality content.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Family Medicine

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 5, 2026

Submission Date

October 18, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 26, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1

APA
Çetindağ Karatlı, S. K. (2026). Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, 9(1), 78-82. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1806392
AMA
1.Çetindağ Karatlı SK. Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026;9(1):78-82. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1806392
Chicago
Çetindağ Karatlı, Safiye Kübra. 2026. “Quality and Reliability of Headache-Related Information on YouTube: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 (1): 78-82. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1806392.
EndNote
Çetindağ Karatlı SK (January 1, 2026) Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 1 78–82.
IEEE
[1]S. K. Çetindağ Karatlı, “Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS”, J Health Sci Med / JHSM, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 78–82, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.32322/jhsm.1806392.
ISNAD
Çetindağ Karatlı, Safiye Kübra. “Quality and Reliability of Headache-Related Information on YouTube: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9/1 (January 1, 2026): 78-82. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1806392.
JAMA
1.Çetindağ Karatlı SK. Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026;9:78–82.
MLA
Çetindağ Karatlı, Safiye Kübra. “Quality and Reliability of Headache-Related Information on YouTube: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, vol. 9, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 78-82, doi:10.32322/jhsm.1806392.
Vancouver
1.Safiye Kübra Çetindağ Karatlı. Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026 Jan. 1;9(1):78-82. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1806392

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