Assessment of the accuracy of YouTube videos on stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury: Implications for patient education and misinformation.

OBJECTIVE

The use of social media for researching medical conditions is steadily increasing among both healthcare professionals and the general public. Among the most widely used platforms, YouTube hosts numerous videos concerning stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of such videos available on YouTube.

METHODS

In August 2024, a search was conducted on the YouTube platform using the keywords "spinal cord injury, stem cell." A total of 153 videos were evaluated independently by two neurosurgeons using the JAMA benchmark criteria and the Global Quality Score (GQS).

RESULTS

: The publication years of the videos ranged from 2008 to 2024, with a mean year of 2018.15 ± 4.21. The mean JAMA score was 2.32 ± 1.16 for the first evaluator and 2.35 ± 1.24 for the second evaluator. The mean GQS was 2.86 ± 1.12 for the first evaluator and 2.77 ± 1.16 for the second. The average interaction index of the videos was 1.65 ± 1.91 (range: 0-14.4), while the average view rate was 5.19 ± 13.10 (range: 0-94.2). A positive correlation was found between the interaction index and the number of likes, number of views, view rate, and video duration ( < 0.05). However, no correlation was observed between the interaction index and the evaluators' scores ( > 0.05). Similarly, no statistically significant correlation was identified between the view rate and the number of likes or the evaluators' scores ( > 0.05). When comparing the number of views, interaction indices, and view rates, these values were found to be higher in videos produced by non-healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

: Although the increasing use of stem cell therapy in various fields has led to greater interest in related YouTube content among patients and their relatives, the platform appears to be insufficient in providing and disseminating reliable medical information in this context.