Quality and Reliability of YouTube™ Videos of Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction has become one of the most serious health problems in Türkiye. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the reliability, usefulness, and quality of YouTube™ videos about methamphetamine addiction. We used the term “meth addiction” to search for videos. The first 204 videos were preliminarily assessed; 148 videos met the inclusion criteria and were scored. Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN) and the video information and quality index were used for evaluation. The content usefulness index was created by the researchers to evaluate content items. Video narrators were categorized as methamphetamine addicts, healthcare professionals, and organizations. In terms of quality and content, videos prepared by healthcare professional had higher reliability scores, flow scores, and information accuracy scores compared to videos prepared by methamphetamine addicts and organizations (p < .005). Significant positive correlations were identified between video features, reliability scores, quality scores, and content usefulness in healthcare professionals’ videos. However, the quality and usefulness scores of all groups were found to be below average. This study shows that the relationships between the reliability, quality, and usefulness of the video content should be considered. Utilizing information from reliable sources will contribute to the creation of more useful content.

Cite this article as: Cesur, E., & Koparal, B. (2025). Quality and reliability of YouTube videos of methamphetamine addiction. Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, 12(2), 170-177.