ARE YOUTUBE VIDEOS QUALIFIED AND RELIABLE AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN TURKEY?

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness of content for YouTube videos in the Turkish language as a source of information for mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: "Coronavirus Mental Health" was searched as a subject in the YouTube channel in the Turkish language on April 11th, 2020. The first 100 videos were taken into consideration. Two independent reviewers classified videos as useful or misleading. The inter-observer agreement was evaluated with the kappa coefficient. Modified DISCERN index for reliability and Global Quality Scale for quality were used. The content was evaluated with a checklist developed by the researchers. Results: The mean number of views was 1442.42±3042.49 for useful videos and 1044±1471.83 for misleading videos. The mean Global Quality Scale was 2.68±0.96 for useful videos and 1±0 for misleading videos. The mean DISCERN score was 2.8±1.09, 2.72±0.75, and 3.12±0.66 for shared by independent/professional users, government/news agencies, and universities/professional organizations respectively. Conclusions: The quality and reliability level of mental health videos in the Turkish language for the COVID-19 pandemic were found out moderate. Moreover, the comprehensiveness of the contents didn’t include enough detailed information in regards to protecting mental health.