Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Infodemiology
Date Submitted: Jul 28, 2021
Date Accepted: Jan 24, 2022
COVID-19 and Vitamin D Misinformation on YouTube: A Content Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
The “infodemic” accompanying the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has the potential to increase avoidable spread as well as engagement in risky health behaviours. While social media platforms such as YouTube may be an inexpensive and effective method of sharing accurate health information, sharing inaccurate and misleading information on YouTube could be dangerous for viewers.
Objective:
The confusing nature of data and claims surrounding the benefits of vitamin D, particularly in the prevention or cure of COVID-19, influences both viewers and the general “immune boosting” commercial interest.
Methods:
YouTube video results for the search terms COVID, coronavirus, and vitamin D were collected and analyzed for content themes and deemed useful or misleading, based on the accuracy or inaccuracy of the content. Qualitative content analysis and simple statistical analysis were used to determine the prevalence and frequency of concerning content, such as confusing correlation with causation regarding vitamin D benefits.
Results:
77 videos with 10,225,763 views (at the time of data collection) were included in the analysis, with over three quarters of them containing misleading content about COVID-19 and vitamin D. 58% of the videos confused the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19, with 85% of the videos stating that vitamin D had preventative or curative abilities. The major contributor of these videos were medical professionals with YouTube accounts. Vitamin D recommendations that do not align with current literature were frequently suggested, included taking over the recommended safe dosage or seeking intentional solar ultraviolet radiation exposure.
Conclusions:
The spread of misinformation is particularly alarming when spread by medical professionals and confusion of existing data suggesting vitamin D has “immune boosting” abilities can add to viewer confusion or mistrust in health information. Further, the suggestions made in the videos may increase risks of other poor health outcomes, such as skin cancer from solar UV radiation.
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