Research Information System
Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Mecmuası, vol.78, no.4, pp.329-337, 2025 (TRDizin)
Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but serious infection in children, often leading to life-threatening complications and long-term morbidity. Many cases are preventable through essential measures such as maintaining proper dental and skin hygiene, identifying high-risk groups, and using antibiotics appropriately during specific procedures. As digital platforms like YouTube become common sources of health information, evaluating the accuracy and comprehensiveness of such content is crucial, particularly for specialized topics like pediatric IE prevention. Aim: This study aimed to assess the reliability, quality, and accuracy of YouTube videos related to IE prophylaxis in children. Materials and Methods: A YouTube search was conducted using relevant keywords. Eligible videos were evaluated based on uploader characteristics, video metrics, and content coverage. Three validated scoring tools, Modified DISCERN, JAMA, and the Global Quality Score (GQS) were used to assess reliability and quality. Results: Among 42 videos, 57% (n=24) were uploaded by professional content creators. The median number of key topics addressed per video was 3.5 (IQR 2–7), and only four videos covered all key topics. A substantial positive correlation was observed between MDISCERN and GQS scores. The JAMA score correlated positively with number of views (r = 0.391, p = 0.011), while GQS showed a strong positive correlation with video duration (r = 0.619, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The quality and reliability of YouTube videos on IE prophylaxis remain highly variable. Pediatric-specific content and guideline adherence are frequently lacking. Improving the accuracy and comprehensiveness of online health education is essential to support evidence-based practice in vulnerable pediatric populations. Keywords: YouTube, Infective Endocarditis, Child, Prophylaxis