Evaluation of YouTube Videos in Information about Thyroid Diseases During Pregnancy

Access to quality and reliable information sources during pregnancy, which is a special period, is important for both maternal and fetal health. The reliability and quality of the information obtained from video platforms such as YouTube are important. This study was designed to evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on thyroid disorders which are common during pregnancy. A total of 248 videos found on YouTube with the keywords 'thyroid disorders during pregnancy,' 'pregnancy and thyroid disorders' and 'pregnancy and thyroid gland' were recorded. After applying criteria, the remaining 68 videos were evaluated. General characteristics of the videos, modified DISCERN scoring and Global Quality Scale (GQS) scoring were performed. The videos were divided into two groups based on their sources: Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Internal Medicine/Endocrinology physicians. A 10-parameter scoring system including necessary information about thyroid disease during pregnancy was used. As a result of the analysis of 68 videos evaluated in the study; it was observed that the information on diagnosis and treatment in the videos prepared by Internal Medicine/Endocrinology physicians regarding of thyroid diseases in pregnancy was better than the videos prepared by Obstetrics and Gynecology physicians (p<0.05). When videos were evaluated in terms of quality and reliability, both groups were found to have similar quality and reliability. When all videos were analyzed, 41% were classified of high quality, 41% were of medium quality, and 18% were of low quality. The quality and reliability of YouTube videos on thyroid diseases during pregnancy were found to be high. However, the video content needs to be more comprehensive.