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YouTube as a source of information on mouth (oral) cancer
Author(s) -
Hassona Y,
Taimeh D,
Marahleh A,
Scully C
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
oral diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.953
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1601-0825
pISSN - 1354-523X
DOI - 10.1111/odi.12434
Subject(s) - upload , demographics , cancer , medicine , health professionals , word of mouth , testimonial , health care , computer science , advertising , world wide web , business , demography , sociology , economics , economic growth
Objectives We examined the content of YouTube ™ videos on mouth (oral) cancer and evaluated their usefulness in promoting early detection of oral cancer. Materials and Methods A systematic search of YouTube ™ for videos containing information on mouth cancer was conducted using the keywords ‘mouth cancer’ and ‘oral cancer’. Demographics of videos, including type, source, length, and viewers’ interaction, were evaluated, and three researchers independently assessed the videos for usefulness in promoting early detection of oral cancer. Results A total of 188 YouTube ™ videos (152 patient‐oriented educational videos and 36 testimonial videos) were analyzed. The overall usefulness score ranged from 0 to 10 (mean = 3.56 ± 2.44). The most useful videos ranked late on the viewing list, and there was no significant correlation between video usefulness and viewing rate, viewers’ interaction, and video length. Videos uploaded by individual users were less useful compared with videos uploaded by professional organizations or by healthcare professionals. Conclusion Healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and professional organizations have a responsibility for improving the content of YouTube ™ about mouth cancer by uploading useful videos, and directing patients to reliable information sources.