YouTube as an information source during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross sectional study of Turkish video content

Abstract

Aim: Although videos posted on YouTube are popular sources of information on public health issues, they generally need confirmation. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the content of the most viewed Turkish YouTube videos as an information source during the COVID-19 outbreak. Material and Method: On March 26, 2021, videos containing information about the disease were searched on YouTube using the keywords 'coronavirus' and 'COVID-19'. The videos were classified as useful, misleading, personal experiences and news updates based on the type of information they contain. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using the kappa coefficient. The total number of views, days since upload, total video time and upload source were noted. Results: 96 of a total of 200 videos met the inclusion criteria. The total number of views of the 96 videos included was 21,598,563. 47.92% of the videos were classified as useful, 37.5% as news updates, and 6.25% as personal experiences. It was determined that 8.33% of the videos presented medically misleading information. Coclusion: This study shows that most of the internet videos about COVID-19 on YouTube are considered as beneficial. Videos prepared by reliable sources such as academic institutions and health institutions were few. It is very important that news agencies take measures to prevent the dissemination of false information in public health emergencies and that the content of the videos they publish is correct.

Keywords

• Knowledge
• COVID-19
• epidemic diseases
• YouTube
• public health

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