Brace yourself: a critical look at YouTube videos on pectus carinatum Is YouTube Trustworthy for Health Info?

Aims: YouTube is a widely accessed platform for health-related information, but the reliability and quality of its content remain questionable. This study aimed to evaluate the informational and overall quality of YouTube videos related to pectus carinatum using standardized scoring systems. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in March 2025 using the keywords “pectus carinatum” and “pectus carinatum children”. Videos were filtered based on relevance, language (English), and content inclusion criteria. A total of 34 videos were analyzed. Two pediatric surgery specialists independently assessed the videos using the DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS). Statistical analyses were performed to explore correlations between video characteristics and quality scores, as well as differences based on the source of upload. Results: The mean DISCERN and GQS scores were 53.7 ± 16.46 and 3.47 ± 0.94, respectively. Approximately 41% of videos were classified as high quality based on DISCERN, while 47% were considered high quality based on GQS. Videos uploaded by professional organizations had significantly higher scores than those by individual users (p < 0.05). There was no strong correlation between view counts or likes and the quality scores. Upload time was not significantly associated with video quality. Conclusion: The quality and informational value of YouTube videos related to pectus carinatum vary significantly, with content from professional sources generally offering higher reliability. This underscores the importance of healthcare professionals and academic institutions taking an active role in producing scientifically accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date content on digital platforms.