Correct Information about Herpes Zoster Vaccination: Are YouTube Videos Sufficient?

Authors : Merve Nur Alagöz, Yasemin Özkaya

Pages : 245-249

View : 126 | Download : 104

Publication Date : 2025-09-10

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This study aims to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of YouTube videos as an informational source regarding herpes zoster vaccination. Methods: A search was conducted on YouTube using the keywords “herpes zoster vaccine,” “zoster vaccine brand name,” and “shingles vaccine” in English. The Video Power Index (VPI) was used to measure video popularity, the modified DISCERN scale was applied to assess video quality, and the Global Quality Scale (GQS) was utilized to evaluate reliability. Videos uploaded between 2017 and 2024 were included. Statistical analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Results: A total of 170 English-language videos related to herpes zoster vaccination on YouTube were analyzed. The mean VPI was 12.83, the mean GQS score was 2.91±0.94, and the mean M-DISCERN score was 3.16±1.41. According to the GQS, 30.6% of the videos were classified as low quality, 45.3% as moderate, and 24.1% as high quality. High-quality content was found in 51.6% of physician-produced videos, compared to 40% by non-physician professionals, and 5.7% by independent users. Statistically significant differences were observed between professionals and independent users (p < 0.001), but not between physicians and other health professionals (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although the majority of videos were produced by independent users, those created by healthcare professionals were of significantly higher quality. Immunization through vaccination is a crucial public health issue, and we advocate for more reliable video content in this domain.
Keywords : Sosyal medya, Youtube, Aşı, Herpes Zoster aşısı

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