YouTube as a source of patient information on erythema nodosum: an analysis of quality and reliability

Abstract

Background YouTube is increasingly being used for health information, however, the quality of videos on erythema nodosum (EN), the most common form of septal panniculitis, remains unclear. Objective This study evaluated English-language YouTube videos on EN for their quality and reliability. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the search was conducted on November 15, 2025, using the keywords erythema nodosum, erythema nodosum causes, erythema nodosum symptoms, and erythema nodosum treatment. The first 100 videos were screened for each search term. After applying the exclusion criteria, 61 videos were included in the analysis and categorized according to uploader type and presentation format. Quality and reliability were measured using the Global Quality Scale, modified DISCERN tool, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Content. The statistical analyses included inter-rater agreement, group comparisons, and correlations. Results Among the 61 videos, 47.5% were of low quality, 24.6% were moderate quality, and 27.9% were of high quality. Physician-uploaded videos were generally of higher quality, whereas patient-generated content lacked educational value. Traditional narration and slides dominated, with limited use of animations or patient stories. Viewer engagement, including likes and comments, correlated with quality, but view count did not. The longer and more recent videos tended to score better. The assessment tools showed complementary correlations. Conclusion The quality and reliability of YouTube videos on EN are highly variable, with nearly half containing low-quality information. Physician-produced videos were generally more reliable, whereas patient-generated content showed limited educational value. These findings highlight the need for greater expert involvement, improved source transparency, and more engaging evidence-based educational content to reduce misinformation and support patient education on EN.