Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Dermatology
Date Submitted: Apr 18, 2019
Date Accepted: Mar 22, 2020
Date Submitted to PubMed: May 1, 2020
Sunscreen Information on YouTube and Sun Safety Promotion: A content analysis.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background:
Sunscreen use is a popular sun protection method, but its application rarely meets the standards recommended for effectiveness. Access to information about how to effectively use sunscreen may play a role in sunscreen application. The internet is a common health information source but content quality varies.
Objective:
Objective:
To examine information about sunscreen on YouTube by video source.
Methods:
Methods:
In November 2017, authors identified the top 20 YouTube videos (sorted by view count and relevance) for each of five search terms: sunscreen cancer, sunscreen health, sunscreen information, sunscreen ingredients, and sunscreen natural. Inclusion criteria: English language and view count > 1,000 (N = 111 unique videos). We double-coded videos for standard recommendations for sunscreen use (e.g. apply 20 minutes before sun exposure), use of outdated terminology, and recommendation of complementary sun safety strategies.
Results:
Results:
View counts ranged from 1,100 to 671,142 (M = 58,642; SD = 109,651) and average daily views ranged from 1 to 1,448 (M = 96.8; SD = 234). End users (n = 46; 41%) and healthcare providers (HCP) (n = 24; 22%) were the most common sources and none of the most popular videos were produced by federal agencies or cancer-related NGOs. HCP videos included marginally more recommendations than end user videos (M= 1.46, SD = 1.96 vs. M = 1.05, SD = 1.20), but rarely (17%) mentioned reapplication. Videos were generally positive toward sunscreen (74%) but included videos with warnings about health risks of chemical sunscreens and their ingredients. Do-It-Yourself sunscreen tutorials represented 17% of the sample.
Conclusions:
Conclusion: YouTube has potential for disseminating sun safety messages, but sunscreen content varies; most videos failed to include crucial sunscreen use recommendations. Clinicians should be prepared to address information needs of patients by discussing effective, evidence-based sunscreen application and recommending a combined sun safety approach. Clinical Trial: None
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