What Does YouTube® Say about Schizophrenia: Is It a Reliable Source of Information?

Authors : Aybeniz Civan Kahve, Gonca Aşut, Hasan Kaya, Yunus Hacimusalar

Pages : 67-73

Doi:10.31067/acusaglik.981253

View : 32 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2022-01-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Purpose: The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of YouTube® videos on schizophrenia were examined. The quality of the information provided by the videos, which videos are watched the most, whether there is a relationship between the popularity and quality of the videos was evaluated. Methods and Materials: A search was performed on YouTube® on using the keyword "schizophrenia”. The duration of the videos, the number of views,the number of like-dislike, the contents of the videos were recorded. To assess the popularity of the videos, view ratio, like ratio and the video power index (VPI) were used. The quality of information was assessed with DISCERN, Global Quality Scale (GQS) and YouTube Schizophrenia-Specific Score(Y-SSS). Results: Most of the videos were of low quality. 20% of the videos were fair and above according to DISCERN, 12.9% of the videos were fair and above according to Y-SSS. View ratio, like ratio and VPI of the videos categorized in patient/their relatives were the higher than the other categories. Although, the GQS, DISCERN and Y-SSS scores were lower than the others.The only predictive for like ratio was view ratio. Conclusion: Most of the videos about schizophrenia were personal experiences videos, and these were the most watched ones. Unfortunately, the quality of these videos was low. This may cause the development of wrong attitudes about the disease and its treatment. Also, incorrect information may contribute to the stigma surrounding the disorder. There is a need for mental health professionals to be more visible and to present qualified information in videos.
Keywords : Schizophrenia, mental disorder, internet, YouTube, patient education