Quality and reliability of headache-related information on YouTube: a cross-sectional analysis using DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the information quality and characteristics of videos related to “headache” on YouTube. Methods: A search was conducted on YouTube using the keyword “headache,” and the first 100 videos were listed. Repetitive, promotional, and videos shorter than 2 minutes were excluded; 72 videos were included in the analysis. The videos were evaluated by two researchers using DISCERN, JAMA, and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). The number of views, likes, duration, and uploader type were recorded. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The average video duration was 8.4±3.2 minutes, and the average number of views was 45,200±18,600. Thirty-eight percent of the videos were uploaded by physicians/institutions, and 62% were uploaded by individual users. The mean GQS score was 2.3±0.9 (moderate quality), DISCERN 31.2±7.5, and JAMA 2.1±0.8. Professional content had significantly higher quality scores (p