Are parents receiving reliable information on nocturnal enuresis from YouTube?
摘要
To evaluate the quality, reliability, source characteristics, and content completeness of YouTube videos related to pediatric nocturnal enuresis and to identify potential gaps in online patient education.
Materials and methodsA cross-sectional analysis of YouTube videos was conducted using the search terms “nocturnal enuresis,” “bedwetting,” and “child bedwetting.” The first 100 eligible videos were included because they represent the content most likely to be encountered by users during routine searches. Video characteristics, including duration, views, likes, comments, uploader source, and content type, were recorded. Educational quality and reliability were assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and the modified DISCERN instrument. Content completeness was evaluated using a predefined scoring system covering definition, etiology, diagnostic evaluation, treatment options, behavioral interventions, and prognosis.
ResultsA total of 100 videos were analyzed. The median video duration was 3.5 min (IQR: 2.1–9.1), and the median number of views was 1,192 (IQR: 148–4,964). The mean GQS, modified DISCERN, and content completeness scores were 3.22 ± 1.19, 2.69 ± 1.35, and 3.23 ± 1.66, respectively. Significant differences in educational quality, reliability, and content completeness were observed according to uploader source (all p < 0.001). Videos produced by healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and professional organizations generally demonstrated higher quality and more comprehensive content than commercial or non-professional sources. Definitions (78%), causes (74%), and treatment options (81%) were frequently discussed, whereas diagnostic evaluation (49%) and prognosis (38%) were substantially underrepresented. Behavioral interventions were mentioned in 67% of videos.
ConclusionsYouTube videos on pediatric nocturnal enuresis demonstrate substantial variability in quality, reliability, and content completeness. Although videos originating from healthcare-related sources tended to provide more comprehensive and reliable information, important gaps remain, particularly regarding diagnostic evaluation and prognosis. These deficiencies may contribute to incomplete parental understanding and highlight the need for evidence-based digital educational resources and clinician-guided online health information.