The migraine landscape on YouTube: A review of YouTube as a source of information on migraine
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review › Research › peer-review
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 (https://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 |
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Journal | Cephalalgia |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 12 |
Pages (from-to) | 1363-1369 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISSN | 0333-1024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2020 |
- advocacy, consumer health information, Digital, education, online, social media, Twitter
Research areas
ID: 258775863