YouTube as a Patient Education Resource for Male Hypogonadism and Testosterone Therapy. Issue 2 (19th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Warren, Christopher J.; Wisener, John; Ward, Brittany; Behbahani, Sara; Shah, Tejash; Fano, Adam; Paskhover, Boris; Sadeghi-Nejad, Hossein
• Is Part Of: Sexual medicine. Volume 9:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 100324
• Page End: 100324
• Publication Date: 2021-03-19
• Subjects: YouTube -- Social Media -- Male Hypogonadism -- Testosterone Therapy; Sexual disorders -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.69005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100324
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-1161

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: YouTube is an unregulated platform that patients are using to learn about treatment options. Aim: To assess the reliability of YouTube videos (YTVs) related to male hypogonadism and testosterone therapy. Methods: Searching on YouTube by relevance and view count, we analyzed the top 10 videos (80 videos total) for the following search terms: low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy, AndroGel, and hypogonadism. Main Outcome Measure: We recorded the number of views for each video, evaluated videos using the DISCERN score (DS) criterion, and compared the DS for videos including board-certified physicians and videos without. A second comparison was made between videos with board-certified physicians in urology, endocrinology, other MD, and those without any physician. Results: The YTVs analyzed received a total of 38, 549, 090 views, a median of 25, 201 and 17.30 views/day. Videos that featured physicians had significantly fewer views/day than videos that did not (39.48 CI 9, 72 vs 1, 731 CI 330, 3, 132; P = .019). Most YTVs studied were unreliable. The median DS across all videos was 2. However, most videos created by physicians were found to be reliable with a median DS of 4. In addition, YTVs that did not feature a physician were found to be significantly less reliable than videos that featured a physician (3.22 CI 3.06, 4.09 vs 1.87 CI 1.56, 2.18; P < .001). There was no significant difference in the reliability or viewership of YTVs stratified by physician type. Conclusion: Most YTVs related to male hypogonadism/testosterone therapy were unreliable, but there are reliable YTVs available. Reliable videos usually feature a physician and receive fewer views than unreliable YTVs. Physicians and academic societies should work to provide verified videos to provide patients with reliable information about male hypogonadism and testosterone therapy.