YouTube resources to fight against COVID-19: an approach to Latin American and the Caribbean

Authors

Keywords:

mass media, social network, health communication, health education, coronavirus infections

Abstract

Introduction: YouTube is one of the websites most used to disseminate information worldwide. Currently, there are no studies about videos posted on YouTube related to COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of the videos posted by the most viewed YouTube channels in Latin America and the Caribbean with content related to COVID-19.

Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study. The top 10 YouTube channels of the 23 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean were selected, according to the SBS Ranking. Then the videos published until April 15, 2020 with content related to COVID-19 were identified. The number of views, duration of the video, COVID-19 as the main topic, language, educational intention were assessed; also if the information about prevention, mortality, anxiety, clinical condition, natural history and treatment were consistent with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). "

Results: A total of 258 videos were analyzed, which presented a median of views of 115,562.5 (IQR: 51 224-396 038). 43.02% of the videos had COVID-19 as their main topic. The language of 94.19% of videos was Spanish. 50.39% of the videos had educational intention on COVID-19. However, less than 25% made full recommendations according to the WHO.

Conclusions: Less than one third of the videos on YouTube channels in Latin America and the Caribbean provide recommendations according to the WHO. This would probably have a significant impact on the little adherence to preventive measures and in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Published

2021-04-03

How to Cite

1.
Meza-Liviapoma JG, Aragón-Ayala CJ, Pérez-Chuquihuanca K, Quispe-Juli CU. YouTube resources to fight against COVID-19: an approach to Latin American and the Caribbean. Rev cuba med gen integr [Internet]. 2021 Apr. 3 [cited 2025 Mar. 26];37. Available from: https://revmgi.sld.cu/index.php/mgi/article/view/1607

Issue

Vol. 37 (2021): Especial COVID-19

Section

ARTÍCULOS ORIGINALES

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