Is the YouTube™ an useful source of information on oral leukoplakia?

OBJECTIVES

YouTube™ has become a widely used source of health information. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the quality of English language videos on oral leukoplakia available on YouTube™.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A YouTube™ search for oral leukoplakia was performed, leading to 1,690 videos. The first 100 results were examined for exclusion criteria, yielding 28 videos. The source, duration, views, likes, and dislikes of each video were recorded. Two oral medicine residents scored the videos for visibility, popularity, quality, utility, and reliability.

RESULTS

Videos were categorized into two groups: independent users or company advertisements (n = 21) and professional organizations or government agencies (n = 5). Analysis showed that, in general, videos were of low quality, usefulness, and reliability. Higher quality videos had more likes (p < .05, Mann-Whitney test). More reliable videos received more likes and presented a higher viewing rate and interaction index (p < .05, Mann-Whitney test).

CONCLUSIONS

There are few high-quality videos about oral leukoplakia on YouTube™. Oral medicine professionals and students should attempt to correct this deficit, as they are the holders of evidence-based knowledge and clinical experience.