Evaluation of the quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to hallux rigidus

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the scientific accuracy, informational value, and content quality of YouTube videos about hallux rigidus, marking the first study to assess videos on this topic. Methods: Two systematic searches were conducted by two orthopedic surgeons using the YouTube search bar with the keywords “hallux rigidus” and “hallux limitus.” Each video was evaluated based on the following features: title, content, source, duration (seconds), number of views, number of days since upload, view ratio (views/time since upload), number of likes, number of dislikes, like ratio (likes×100/likes+dislikes), and Video Power Index (VPI). Results: A total of 50 videos meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Among these, 39 (78%) were uploaded by healthcare professionals. Despite this, 25 videos (50%) were categorized as low quality according to the DISCERN score, and 33 videos (66%) were classified as low quality based on the YouTube hallux rigidus score. The DISCERN and JAMA scores demonstrated a statistically significant relationship with the video source (p<0.001). Videos created by physicians had significantly higher DISCERN and JAMA scores compared to those created by non-physician healthcare professionals (p=0.015, p=0.01). Similarly, videos by non-physician healthcare professionals scored significantly higher than those prepared by patients or for advertisement purposes (p=0.031, p=0.026). Additionally, videos uploaded more than three years ago had a significantly higher like rate compared to more recent videos (p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of platforms such as YouTube for health-related information is increasing. However, the overall quality of videos about hallux rigidus remains low, underscoring the need for higher-quality content to better support public health outcomes.