Assessment of information on YouTube on the effect of acupuncture in patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.
Medicine (Baltimore)
; 101(37): e30473, 2022 Sep 16.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2087892
ABSTRACT
Medical-related information rapidly spreads throughout the internet. However, these types of information often contain inaccurate information, which can lead to harmful misconceptions. In this study, we evaluated the reliability, quality, and accuracy of videos uploaded on YouTube that harbor claims on the effects of acupuncture on COVID-19 treatment. This is a cross-sectional study. Videos uploaded on YouTube up to February 17, 2022, were searched, and the keywords used were as follows "acupuncture," "coronavirus," "COVID 19," "COVID-19," "Corona," "COVID," and "SARSCoV2." The top 50 videos in English were viewed and evaluated. The reliability of the videos was evaluated using the modified DISCERN scale, the content-quality was evaluated using the Global Quality Scale. The accuracy of the information in each video was evaluated as well. Of the 50 videos, only 8% were found to be reliable and 64% were of poor quality. Additionally, 98% of the videos were misleading. The mean modified DISCERN scores was 1.72 and the mean Global Quality Scale score was 2.06. Despite the videos being made by experts, their reliability, content-quality, and accuracy were found to be low. The spread of inaccurate information may result in the use of inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment methods for patients. Videos that contain medical information should be produced based on verified scientific evidence.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Acupuncture Therapy
/
Social Media
/
COVID-19
/
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Traditional medicine
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Medicine (Baltimore)
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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