Content analysis of youtube videos related to oraland dental health during pregnancy

ABSTRACT "Content Analysis of YouTube Videos Related to Oral and Dental Health During Pregnancy", Specialist Thesis, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Trakya University, Edirne, 2024. Background and Aim: In our thesis study, we explored the adequacy and reliability of content concerning "oral and dental health during pregnancy" shared on the YouTube platform. We conducted qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the comments on these videos, analyzing user reactions, inquiries, and recommendations. Our objective was to assess the utility of YouTube videos for pregnant women and evaluate their suitability as sources of information. Material and Methods: After identifying videos that met the inclusion criteria, parameters specific to each video were recorded. These parameters included interaction index and viewing rates. The content of the videos was analyzed using evaluation criteria prepared according to guidelines, and a Total Content Score was calculated. Quality and reliability analyses were conducted using the DISCERN and GQS scales. Statistical analysis was performed to compare these scores with the recorded parameters. Additionally, comments on the videos were examined using the MAXQDA program. Both quantitative and thematic analyses were conducted on these comments. Various codes were applied to identify the most frequently mentioned topics in the video comments, and themes were developed based on these codes. Results: Upon examining GQS scores, it was determined that 15,3% of the videos were categorized as high quality, 28,6% as medium quality, and 56,1% as low quality. According to DISCERN scale scores, the average reliability score for all videos was 2,32 ± 1,04. Videos uploaded by individual health professionals such as dentists or specialist dentists without affiliation to healthcare institutions garnered significantly higher views, view rates, and likes compared to those uploaded by healthcare institutions (p<0,001). The average Total Content Score of the videos was 3,34, indicating inadequate informational content. Long-duration videos exhibited significantly higher DISCERN and GQS scores compared to shorter ones (p<0,001). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between Total Content Score and video duration (minutes) (p<0,001). Longer videos also attracted more views, interactions, likes, and comments (p<0,050). Analysis of comments highlighted the predominant theme of concern about potential harm to the baby (39%), with treatment methods within this theme mentioned most frequently at 84%. Conclusion: YouTube is not a completely reliable source of information on oral and dental health during pregnancy because many videos offer low-quality content. However, there are videos with excellent content, and recommending reliable videos identified by clinicians can help inform pregnant women effectively. Evaluating user interactions and comments suggests that improving video content according to guidelines is recommended to enhance information on this topic. Keywords: YouTube, oral and dental health in pregnancy, reliability, content analysis, thematic analysis