Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turkish Journal of Dermatology, cilt.19, sa.2, ss.80-86, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus)
Aim: Scabies is a contagious skin disease characterized by itching and rashes, caused by a mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Video sharing platforms like YouTube serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking to learn about diseases and their treatments. However, the quality of these videos can vary significantly. Videos that present misleading or incomplete information may misinform viewers and result in inappropriate treatments. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the quality and reliability of information in videos about scabies, which has seen a rise in prevalence in recent years, making it significant for both individual and public health. Materials and Methods: A YouTube search was conducted in June 2024 using the keywords “scabies” and “scabies treatment.” A total of 105 videos were analyzed. Factors such as the source, availability, and duration of the videos, as well as the number of views, likes, dislikes, and comments, were recorded. The broadcasters were categorized as healthcare professionals (including medical doctors, dentists, and pharmacists), healthcare institutions (hospitals and universities), news channels (national TV networks), healthcare websites, and independent individuals. Modified DISCERN, Global Quality Scale (GQS), and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) scales were utilized to assess the quality, accuracy, and reliability of the videos. Overall intergroup data analyses were carried out. Results: The comparison of the video sources revealed that videos published by independent individuals or institutions garnered more views compared to other sources (P < 0.05). Videos published by independent individuals and institutions received significantly more likes, dislikes, and comments in comparison to the other sources (P < 0.05). Health institutions and healthcare websites garnered fewer comments. There was no significant difference among the sources based on video length (P > 0.05). The modified DISCERN, GQS, and JAMA scores of the videos uploaded by healthcare professionals were higher (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although the quality of scabies content on YouTube varied, information from independent content providers was generally less reliable compared to professional sources, making it harder for individuals seeking health information to access accurate details and increasing the risk of misinformation. It is vital for both individual and public health that health professionals take a more active role on social media platforms like YouTube, and produce reliable, high-quality content.