Abstract
Introduction: YouTube is the most widely used video hosting website in the world; however, the quality and reliability of information is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the content and distribution of the most popular videos on YouTube about migraine. Methods: We searched for migraine-related videos on the online video hosting resource YouTube (http://youtube.com/). Two authors screened the titles and video descriptions independently for all videos with a view count of ≥ 10,000 views. For each video we recorded descriptive data, the source/author and the primary purpose/content. Results: We identified 351 eligible videos. In total, there was more than 3 days of content viewed more than 163 million times. Only 9% of these videos were authored by healthcare professionals. The majority (44%) of videos focused on complementary and alternative medicine. Discussion: YouTube provides a wide array of easily accessible information on migraine, ranging from authoritative sources to potentially questionable content. If used uncritically, this may result in inadequate clinical management. Peer-reviewed information on migraine mechanisms and treatment is needed to provide the best available evidence for the public and patients. Ideally, a professional society or foundation such as the International Headache Society would develop, curate, and distribute content.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1363-1369 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Cephalalgia |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 1 2020 |
Keywords
- Digital
- advocacy
- consumer health information
- education
- online
- social media
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology