Content of widely viewed YouTube videos about celiac disease.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the most widely viewed English language videos related to celiac disease on YouTube.

STUDY

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Videos sorted by number of views yielded the 100 most widely viewed. Number of views, source (consumer, professional, or news agency), and inclusion of specific content were recorded.

RESULTS

Collectively, the 100 videos were viewed nearly 7 million times. Between 2007 and 2010, 28% were uploaded, while more than 70% were uploaded after 2010. Professionals uploaded almost half (48%), consumers posted 32%, and news sources posted the remaining 20%. While gluten-containing foods/drinks were presented in 57% of the videos, these videos garnered almost 78% of cumulative views. Comparatively few videos provided substantive information related to age at diagnosis, who is at risk for the disease, hereditary nature, or that the disease can inhibit growth and development among children. Most videos (56%) did not cover how celiac disease is diagnosed, and only 14% mentioned family members of diagnosed individuals should be screened for the disease (garnering only 9% of cumulative views).

CONCLUSION

Given the popularity and potential reach of YouTube, medical professionals have an opportunity to use this medium to reach a large audience in providing accurate and useful information to the public about celiac disease.