OBJECTIVE:
Internet has become an easy source for healthcare information. In recent years, websites like YouTube have become increasingly popular as a source of information. It is necessary to keep in check the information disseminated from these open-access sites to prevent the spread of false information. This study analyzed how information related to the superbug New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM1) was portrayed in video clips available on YouTube.
METHODS:
YouTube (www.youtube.com) was searched on June 22, 2011, using the search terms keywords NDM1, New Delhi beta-metallolactamase, NDM, New Delhi superbug, New Delhi metallolactamase to identify clips related to NDM-1. Videos were classified as useful, misleading and news update. Data analyses were conducted for the duration of videos, number of viewers, and positive and negative rating.
RESULTS:
A total of 47 videos were included in this analysis. Twenty-nine videos were classified as news update, 9 videos as useful, and 9 videos as misleading videos. There was no statistically significant difference in the 3 groups regarding duration of videos, number of viewers, and positive and negative rating.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results demonstrate that there is a wide variety of information on YouTube regarding NDM-1. The viewers are exposed to the useful videos as much as to misleading videos. As a result, public health professionals should be more vigilant in recognizing videos containing misleading information and physicians should counsel and educate patients against inappropriate use of online videos for medical purposes.
KEYWORDS:
Drug resistance; youtube; antibiotic