Analysis of the Quality and Reliability of Health Information on Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis on the Youtube Platform

Authors : Fatma Çağlayan Ağır, Güllü Eren, Savaş Karpuz, Ramazan Yılmaz
Pages : 992-1000
Doi:10.54005/geneltip.1728577
View : 118 | Download : 195
Publication Date : 2025-10-28
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of information and the quality of content in YouTube videos related to thumb carpometacarpal (CMC-1) joint osteoarthritis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a YouTube search was conducted on June 1, 2025, using the keyword “thumb CMC osteoarthritis.” Videos were analyzed based on parameters such as source, content, duration, and number of views. The reliability and quality of the information were assessed independently by two observers using the Modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), Global Quality Scale (GQS), and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. Results: Among the videos, 25% (n=15) focused on general information, 18.3% (n=11) on injection techniques, and 16.7% (n=10) on surgical methods. Of the total, 40% (n=24) were uploaded by non-physician healthcare professionals, and 38.3% (n=23) by physicians. Videos uploaded by physicians had significantly higher scores in mDISCERN, GQS, and JAMA criteria compared to other groups (p<0.001 for all). In terms of overall quality, 28.3% (n=17) of the videos were classified as high, 45.0% (n=27) as moderate, and 26.7% (n=16) as low quality. Conclusion: A substantial portion of YouTube videos related to CMC-1 osteoarthritis are of low or moderate quality. The reliability of the information varies depending on the professional background of the video uploader. These findings highlight the need for caution when using YouTube as a source of medical information and underscore the importance of greater involvement by healthcare professionals in producing online content.
Keywords : Karpometakarpal eklem, osteoartrit, sosyal medya, internet, YouTube

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