Quality and reliability assessment of Youtube on the interpretation of laboratory test results (Preprint)

BACKGROUND YouTube is used to investigate medical conditions, diseases, drug abuse, etc., and may contain inaccurate material. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to investigate the effectiveness of YouTube videos in interpreting laboratory results. METHODS Two independent biochemists looked for and rated videos through the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and modified DISCERN methodology. The characteristics of the low-, intermediate-, and high-quality groups were compared using the Kruskal- Wallis test. The kappa coefficient measured the researchers' agreement. RESULTS Of thirty-five videos, thirteen (46%) were in the high-quality group, eleven (32%) were intermediate-quality, and eleven (32%) were low-quality, as determined by the GQS ratings. The quality groups had similar daily views, likes, dislikes, and comments (p>0.05). However, group DISCERN scores varied greatly (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Due to YouTube's lack of restrictions, content creators are not required to have a specific area of expertise, which may result in posting potentially confusing videos by persons devoid of knowledge or experience.