Rawan ElKarmi1,2, Yazan Hassona2,3, Dina Taimeh2, Crispian Scully4. 1. Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. 2. Department of Dentistry, The University of Jordan Hospital, Amman, Jordan. 3. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine and Periodontology, School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. 4. University College London, London, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients can and do search the Internet for information on various health-related topics. YouTube™ is one popular website they may consult. AIM: To examine the quality of information offered by YouTube™ for patients seeking information on early childhood caries (ECC). DESIGN: YouTube™ was searched for videos on ECC. The usefulness of selected videos in providing adequate information about ECC was evaluated using a 13-point usefulness score. The guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry were used for benchmarking. RESULTS: Most videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals (60%, n = 18). Videos had generally low usefulness scores (mean: 5.1 ± 2.9; range: 1-11). An average YouTube™ video on ECC was viewed two times/day (range: 0.07-34.4 views/day). Less useful videos ranked early on the viewing list, and viewer's interactions with videos were not affected significantly by their usefulness. CONCLUSION: YouTube™ should not be used as a trusted site for educating patients on ECC.
BACKGROUND:Patients can and do search the Internet for information on various health-related topics. YouTube™ is one popular website they may consult. AIM: To examine the quality of information offered by YouTube™ for patients seeking information on early childhood caries (ECC). DESIGN: YouTube™ was searched for videos on ECC. The usefulness of selected videos in providing adequate information about ECC was evaluated using a 13-point usefulness score. The guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry were used for benchmarking. RESULTS: Most videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals (60%, n = 18). Videos had generally low usefulness scores (mean: 5.1 ± 2.9; range: 1-11). An average YouTube™ video on ECC was viewed two times/day (range: 0.07-34.4 views/day). Less useful videos ranked early on the viewing list, and viewer's interactions with videos were not affected significantly by their usefulness. CONCLUSION: YouTube™ should not be used as a trusted site for educating patients on ECC.