Are Turkish-language YouTube videos a reliable source of information about Tic disorder?

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability, educational quality, and popularity of Turkish-language YouTube videos on Tic disorders and Tourette Syndrome. The focus was on content accuracy, comprehensiveness, and the influence of uploader type. Methods: Using the keywords “Tic Disorder” and “Tourette Syndrome,” 87 videos were initially identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 Turkish-language videos were selected. Reliability was assessed using the Modified DISCERN tool, educational quality with the Global Quality Scale, and popularity with metrics such as view rate and Video Power Index. Videos were categorized based on source: doctors, other mental health professionals, patients/their relatives, news channels, and others. Inter-rater reliability was measured using Cohen's kappa. Results: Only 28% of the videos were uploaded by doctors. Differential diagnosis was discussed in 28% of videos, while 78% included treatment information. Inter-rater agreement for Modified DISCERN, GQS, and usefulness had Cohen's kappa coefficients of 0.885, 0.883, and 0.897, respectively. The median the Modified DISCERN tool score was 3, indicating moderate reliability. In terms of quality, 34% were rated high, 42% medium, and 24% low. Videos uploaded by patients or their relatives demonstrated significantly higher view rates and Video Power Index scores than those by professionals. However, there were no significant differences in reliability, quality, or usefulness among uploader groups. Conclusions: The quality and reliability of Turkish YouTube videos on Tic disorders and Tourette Syndrome vary considerably. Although patient-uploaded videos gain more attention, they may lack medical accuracy. Enhancing health professionals’ involvement in online content creation is crucial for promoting accurate, evidence-based public education.