A Web-based Analysis to Assess the Quality and Reliability of Coronavirus Disease 19-related Information YouTube Videos on Seven Indian Languages
V. Anu, Anuriti Guha, Janvi Dave, Iccha Upadhyay, M. Sreenath Raju, Nakshatra VashisthBackground:
The outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) resulted in major public threat. People had to rely on the health information that is available on the official websites of World Health Organization (WHO) and government bodies and other mobile based applications.
Aim:
The aim is to analyze the quality and content of YouTube videos that shared health information related to COVID-19 in seven Indian languages and English.
Methodology:
A total of 200 videos were selected in eight languages (English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Telugu, and Tamil) based on the maximum number of views. The videos quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), The reliability of the information in each video was evaluated using modified DISCERN tool (DS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out.
Results:
The mean GQS score was 2.88 and DISCERN score was 3.34. The DISCERN score, number of views per day and like ratio had a significant difference with GQS score.
Conclusion:
The study highlights that the content available in YouTube videos are inadequate and are does not reflect recommendation guidelines given by the WHO. Authorities should consider implementing strategies and policies to analyze whether the information given in YouTube videos is useful and adequate before it gets streamed.