Alper DÜNKİ, Özkan ÖZTÜRK
Baltalimanı Dergisi - 2025;1(2):53-57
Objective: YouTube is increasingly used as a source of health information; however, the accuracy and reliability of its medical content remain questionable. This study aimed to assess the quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to osteosarcoma. Methods: In March 2025, the first 50 YouTube videos for the search terms "osteosarcoma" and "osteosarcoma surgery" were screened. After removing duplicates and applying exclusion criteria, 61 videos were included. Two orthopedic surgeons independently evaluated the videos for uploader type, views, duration, likes, and dislikes. Popularity was measured using the Video Power Index (VPI) and view ratio. Scientific quality was assessed using DISCERN and JAMA scores. Statistical analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk, Spearman correlation, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05). Results: Only 8.1% of videos were rated as good or excellent based on DISCERN scores, while 70.4% were categorized as poor or very poor. Physician-uploaded videos (52.5%) had significantly higher DISCERN and JAMA scores (p < 0.01), yet lower popularity metrics compared to patient and commercial uploads (p < 0.05). A strong positive correlation was found between DISCERN and JAMA scores (rho = 0.605, p < 0.001), but no significant relationship existed between content quality and popularity indicators. Conclusion: Although videos uploaded by physicians demonstrated higher quality, overall informational standards were low. The preference for popular but less reliable content highlights the need for accurate, accessible, and engaging medical videos on online platforms to support patient education and informed decision-making.
