YouTube as an Educational Tool for Patients with Chondromalacia Patella: Content Analysis of Videos Posted on Social Media

YouTube has become a popular source of health information, including information on orthopedic conditions, such as chondromalacia patella (CP). The aim of the present study was to assess the quality and scientific accuracy of videos about CP available on the platform in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that analyzes the content and quality of YouTube videos. A total of 150 videos were initially selected, 131 of which were included in the analysis after applying the eligibility criteria. The quality of the information was assessed using the DISCERN and JAMA scales. The quality of the videos in English was considered "good" when using the DISCERN scale and "high" when using the JAMA scale. The videos in Spanish and Portuguese were classified as having "average" quality on the DISCERN scale. When using the JAMA scale, the quality of the videos in Spanish was considered "moderate", whereas the videos in Portuguese were classified as having "high" quality. Most of the videos were produced by healthcare providers, which may have led to the relatively good results. However, no significant correlation was found between the quality of the content and the number of views, likes, or comments, indicating that audience engagement may not be directly related to the reliability of the information. These findings highlight the need for more rigorous curation and the development of strategies to promote higher quality content on the YouTube platform, ensuring that patients and healthcare providers can access accurate information about CP.