Rabies in Social Media Videos: Comparison of Instagram and YouTube

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to elucidate the informational content related to post‑exposure patient education for this disease,  emphasizing the significance of social media platforms as sources of information. The goal is to uncover and compare the information  available on various social media platforms. 

Methodology: Searches were conducted on Instagram and YouTube using the search terms “Rabies,” “Rabies disease,” and “Rabies vaccine.” A total of 274 videos were examined, with 150 from YouTube and 124 from Instagram.  The content of the videos was assessed based on 10 criteria determined by researchers according to the National Rabies Prophylaxis  Guidelines, and a scoring system was applied. 

Results: Instagram videos had more exclusion criteria. When examined based on uploader characteristics, the number of healthcare professionals on Instagram was higher than on YouTube. For questions related to “What is  rabies,” “What are the symptoms in animals,” and “How should pre‑exposure prophylaxis be,” Instagram videos received higher scores.  Videos uploaded by healthcare professionals received higher scores in questions related to “What is rabies,” “How does it spread to  humans,” “How should wound care be,” “Pre‑exposure prophylaxis,” “Post‑exposure prophylaxis,” and total score compared to videos  uploaded by other independent users. 

Conclusion: A significant portion of the videos uploaded by various users on social media about  rabies were found to be unrelated and lacking in informative content. It was observed that videos on Instagram were more informative  compared to YouTube. Health professionals were found to provide more informative and directive content in videos related to rabies.