YouTube as a source of information: How good is the quality and reliability of videos related to obsessive compulsive disorder?

Abstract

Objective: YouTube (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA), an online video-sharing platform, has become a resource for health information. However, the quality of the information presented to viewers is not well known. This study is an examination of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of YouTube videos related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and provides analysis of data of the number of views and the relationship between the popularity and quality of videos related to OCD. Method: This was a qualitative, cross-sectional study. A total of 131 English-language videos related to OCD available on YouTube were reviewed. The DISCERN questionnaire, the Global Quality Scale (GQS), and a YouTube OCD-Specific Score instrument were used to evaluate the videos. Details of the length of the videos, the number of views, the number of likes/dislikes, and the length of time since upload were analyzed. Results: The source of the videos was most often a psychiatrist/psychologist (n=63, 48.1%), followed by an educational course (n=21, 16%), and patients/relatives (n=16, 12.2%). Most of the videos were of low quality. The DISCERN instrument ratings indicated that only 36.6% of the videos were of fair quality, and GQS assessment revealed that only 27.5% of videos scored ≥3 points. Conclusion: The OCD-related video content reviewed was largely inadequate. Information on the disease and distinction between symptoms, as well as treatment options, was insufficient. YouTube is a widely used information resource. Greater participation of mental health professionals could help to ensure access to high quality information on OCD, which could be of great benefit to patients and the public.