Is YouTube a Reliable Source of Information on Antimicrobial Resistance in the Arab World?

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global challenge that the public should be aware of. YouTube is a major educational source on the internet from which the public could learn about AMR. We aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of AMR videos on YouTube catered to Arabic speakers. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This was a cross-sectional study, where the Arabic term of AMR was used to search for AMR videos on YouTube published in Arabic. Videos that were non-Arabic, targeted children, and did not target the public, and TV reports/interviews were excluded. Views and interactions with the videos were evaluated. The quality and reliability were assessed using global quality scale (GQS) and DISCERN tool, respectively. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 366 videos in search results, 96 met the eligibility criteria. Most videos came from Egypt (<i>n</i> = 27; 28.9%), followed by Saudi Arabia (<i>n</i> = 22; 22.9%). Although videos from official sources have stayed longer on YouTube (1,348 vs. 844 days; <i>p</i> = 0.025), videos from unofficial sources had a significantly higher score of viewers’ interaction based on views and likes counts (2 vs. 5; <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed between the two video groups in GQS score (3 vs. 3; <i>p</i> = 0.307) and DISCERN score (3 vs. 3; <i>p</i> = 0.412). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Arabic AMR videos on YouTube from official and unofficial sources had an overall good quality and reliability. Healthcare providers can refer their patients to videos that meet such criteria regardless of their source. Additionally, authorities and public health organizations can use these videos in awareness campaigns on antibiotics and AMR.