YouTube can be a valuable source of information about medical cannabis for some, but according to a study recently published the reliability of these videos is variable.
Imperial College London researchers evaluated the reliability and quality of information about medical cannabis on YouTube and its relationship with video popularity.
A total of 516 video clips were analysed and classified after filtering on the basis of exclusion criteria: educational non-medical channels (such news agencies), medical education channels and independent users. Close to 49% were created by US creators. Just over 18% of them were European. One hundred and seventeen videos received over a million hits.
Most videos (84.3%) are produced by non-medical organizations. Only 12.2% were made by doctors.
The content quality was then assessed using the DISCERN grade – a quality grading for written consumer health information – and the Health on the Net (HON) code; a set of ethical principles and guidelines for health information websites.
Researchers found that independent users attracted the most viewers but their YouTube videos were less reliable. Educational channels, on the other hand, received the lowest engagement rates but were more reliable. Educational (nonmedical videos) had the best standards.
The average DISCERN rating for all videos on YouTube was 34.63. This is a poor score, given that it has an 80-point rating.
YouTube’s algorithms are biased towards engagement metrics, and can therefore amplify misinformation. Despite community guidelines that are intended to stop it, the content continues to spread.
The authors of the report state that “the weak correlation between views on content and quality highlights the need for moderation in order to make sure the most accurate and reliable information about health is widely distributed.”
YouTube, according to the researchers, has implemented initiatives that are designed to increase access of health-related content. Medical sources tend to use language that is more academic in nature.
This particular platform is a great way to spread health information. It’s important for the content to remain engaging and meet viewers where they are.
This study was conducted to find out more about the effects of smoking on health. has been published Journal of Medical Internet Research