AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightIncreasing professionally developed, evidence-based content on digital platforms is essential to support safe and effective anxiety self-management.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Objective: To systematically evaluate the content characteristics, quality, and reliability of YouTube videos presenting breathing exercises for anxiety management. Methods and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed 60 of 134 videos identified in 2025 through predefined keywords. For each video, views, likes, comments, daily view rate, presentation quality, narrator type, and content components were recorded. Scientific quality was assessed using JAMA, modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Relevant statistical tests were applied. Results: Medium- and high-quality videos had significantly higher views, likes, comments, and presentation quality scores than low-quality videos (p<0.001). Videos narrated by medical specialists and psychologists achieved higher JAMA, mDISCERN, and GQS scores (p<0.001). Multi-component videos demonstrated better quality than single-component videos (p=0.004). Presentation quality showed a strong positive correlation with all quality measures (rho=0.78–0.80, p<0.001). Conclusion: Most YouTube breathing exercise videos for anxiety offer low to moderate scientific and educational quality. Videos produced by healthcare professionals and those incorporating multiple components provide greater reliability and instructional value. Increasing professionally developed, evidence-based content on digital platforms is essential to support safe and effective anxiety self-management.