Are YouTube videos on smell dysfunction a good source of information for patients seeking a cure for their illness?

Objective: To conduct unbiased research into the quality and reliability of videos published on YouTube on the subject of smell dysfunction and treatment through two Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists using three different tools.

Methods: The videos were separated into two groups (reliable: Group 1; non-reliable: Group 2) according to whether or not the content was scientifically reliable, proven, accurate, and useful, as determined by two ENT specialist physicians. The DISCERN reliability tool, Global quality scale (GQS), and JAMA scoring system were used as video scoring tools in the evaluations.

Results: Group 1 included 173 videos, and Group 2, 16 videos. The GQS (First ENT specialist) points were 3 (2-5) and GQS (Second ENT specialist) points were 3 (2-5) in Group 1, and 2 (2-3) and 2 (1-3) in Group 2, respectively (p = 0.0001). The points in the DISCERN and JAMA scoring systems were found to be higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion: Although the majority of videos on YouTube related to smell dysfunction are reliable, the number of unreliable videos is not inconsiderable. When videos related to medical information are accepted onto YouTube, weighting should be given to videos which include scientifically proven evidence uploaded by specialist professionals and institutions.