Logo-hpp
2022: Two-year Impact Factor: 4.4
Scopus Journal Metrics
CiteScore (2022): 5.3
SNIP(2022):1.389
SJR(2022): 0.78
Platinum
Open Access

Health Promot Perspect. 2017;7(4): 238-244.
doi: 10.15171/hpp.2017.41
PMID: 29085802
PMCID: PMC5647360
  Abstract View: 1893
  PDF Download: 1499
  Full Text View: 708

Original Article

Sources and content of popular online videos about autism spectrum disorders

Betty Kollia 1, Margaret T. Kamowski-Shakibai 2*, Corey Basch 3, Ashley Clark 3

1 Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
2 Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Marymount Manhattan College, New York, 10021, USA
3 Department of Public Health, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
*Corresponding Author: Email: mtshakibai@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Our study aimed to determine source of upload and content portrayed in the100 most-viewed videos on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) on the video sharing public forum, YouTube. ASDs have become highly prevalent in the last decade, arousing a significant response from the media and psycho-educational health professions. Utilization of and reliance on social media for information on health matters has also proliferated. Some suggest that online videos could promote early detection (and intervention) of ASD by prompting caregivers to seek guidance. However, the usefulness of the available videos is unclear.Methods: The 100 most popular YouTube videos were examined for source of upload and information provided. Popularity was determined by number of views, using the filter tool.Results: The videos had more than 121 million views combined. Only one video had been uploaded by a professional (a clinical psychologist). The 99 (non-professional) videos provided minimal data and research into known ASD risk factors. Interestingly, discredited vaccine associated risks were promoted in 16% (95% CI = 09%–25%) of the 100 videos analyzed. Many videos featured a child with ASD exhibiting some characteristic patterns, such as engaging in a repetitive behavior (73%, 95% CI = 63%-81%); about as many videos referenced various therapies (75%, 95% CI = 65%-83%); and 54% (95% CI = 44%–64%) and 61% (95% CI =51%–71%) of the videos mentioned the economic and emotional toll of ASD on the family,respectively. Additional variables are discussed.Conclusion: The most popular online videos were primarily uploaded by non-professionals and provided limited content regarding ASD. Given the wide reach of social media and its potential for providing valuable information and guidance to the public on matters pertaining to ASD, we wish to underscore the necessity for a professional presence in this medium.

Citation: Kollia B, Kamowski-Shakibai MT, Basch CH, Clark A. Sources and content of popular online videos about autism spectrumdisorders. Health Promot Perspect. 2017;7(4):238-244. doi: 10.15171/hpp.2017.41.
First Name
 
Last Name
 
Email Address
 
Comments
 
Security code


Abstract View: 1893

Your browser does not support the canvas element.


PDF Download: 1499

Your browser does not support the canvas element.


Full Text View: 708

Your browser does not support the canvas element.

Submitted: 26 May 2017
Revision: 02 Jul 2017
Accepted: 04 Jul 2017
ePublished: 26 Sep 2017
EndNote EndNote

(Enw Format - Win & Mac)

BibTeX BibTeX

(Bib Format - Win & Mac)

Bookends Bookends

(Ris Format - Mac only)

EasyBib EasyBib

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Medlars Medlars

(Txt Format - Win & Mac)

Mendeley Web Mendeley Web
Mendeley Mendeley

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Papers Papers

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

ProCite ProCite

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Reference Manager Reference Manager

(Ris Format - Win only)

Refworks Refworks

(Refworks Format - Win & Mac)

Zotero Zotero

(Ris Format - Firefox Plugin)