Journals / Pediatric Practice and Research / 2026 / Volume: 14 Issue: 1

Evaluation of Trending YouTube Videos on Heel Prick Test Refusal, Mandatory Newborn Screening, and the “Heel Prick Test Myth”

YouTube’da Topuk Kanı Reddi, Zorunlu Yenidoğan Taraması ve Topuk Kanı Yalanına Yönelik Trend Videoların Değerlendirilmesi

Elif Beyoğlu(Kahramanmaras Provincial Health Directorate)0000-0002-3632-2728
Muhammed Mustafa Beyoğlu(Kahramanmaraş Halk Sağlığı Hizmetleri Başkanlığı)0000-0003-0367-5794
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-04-03
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The reliability of video content was assessed using the modified DISCERN instrument, while overall information quality was evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS).

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:ABSTRACT Aims: This study aims to systematically evaluate the informational quality of the most highly viewed YouTube videos addressing sensitive public health issues with significant societal impact, including heel prick test refusal, mandatory newborn screening programs, and the “heel prick test myth.” Materials and Methods: In this study, videos obtained through YouTube searches using the keywords “heel prick test refusal,” “mandatory newborn screening,” and “heel prick test myth” were analyzed.
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Key Findings & Data:Based on the scores derived from these scales, videos were classified into three categories: good/excellent, moderate, and poor quality.
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Conclusion & Impact:The reliability of video content was assessed using the modified DISCERN instrument, while overall information quality was evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS).
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:YouTube · heel prick test refusal · mandatory newborn screening

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aims: This study aims to systematically evaluate the informational quality of the most highly viewed YouTube videos addressing sensitive public health issues with significant societal impact, including heel prick test refusal, mandatory newborn screening programs, and the “heel prick test myth.” Materials and Methods: In this study, videos obtained through YouTube searches using the keywords “heel prick test refusal,” “mandatory newborn screening,” and “heel prick test myth” were analyzed. The reliability of video content was assessed using the modified DISCERN instrument, while overall information quality was evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Based on the scores derived from these scales, videos were classified into three categories: good/excellent, moderate, and poor quality. Results: Among the evaluated videos, 51.8% were classified as good/excellent quality, 28.9% as moderate quality, and 19.3% as poor quality. Videos in the good/excellent quality group had significantly higher median DISCERN scores compared with those in the moderate and poor quality groups. No significant correlation was observed between video popularity and GQS or DISCERN scores. However, a strong and statistically significant positive correlation was found between mean GQS and DISCERN scores. In addition, total likes were significantly and positively correlated with both total comments and total views. Conclusion: Many YouTube videos on heel prick test refusal, mandatory newborn screening, and the “heel prick test myth” lack sufficient quality and evidence-based content, while high-quality videos are limited. This highlights the need to strengthen the reliability of digital health information and the visibility of expert-produced content.

Özet

Amaç: Bu araştırma, toplum sağlığı açısından hassasiyet taşıyan topuk kanı reddi, zorunlu yenidoğan tarama programları ve “topuk kanı yalanı” başlıklarıyla ilişkili olarak YouTube’da en yüksek izlenme sayılarına ulaşan videoların bilgi kalitesini sistematik bir yöntemle incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmada, YouTube platformunda “topuk kanı reddi”, “zorunlu yenidoğan taraması” ve “topuk kanı yalanı” anahtar sözcükleri kullanılarak yapılan aramalar sonucunda elde edilen videolar analiz edilmiştir. Video içeriklerinin güvenilirliği modifiye edilmiş DISCERN ölçeği ile, genel bilgi kalitesi ise Global Kalite Ölçeği (GQÖ) kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir. Ölçeklerden elde edilen puanlar doğrultusunda videolar iyi/mükemmel, orta ve düşük kalite olmak üzere üç grupta sınıflandırılmıştır. Bulgular: Değerlendirilen videoların %51,8’i iyi/mükemmel kalite düzeyinde, %28,9’u orta kalitede ve %19,3’ü düşük kalitede bulunmuştur. İyi/mükemmel kalite grubundaki videoların medyan DISCERN puanlarının, orta ve düşük kalite gruplarına kıyasla anlamlı derecede daha yüksek olduğu saptanmıştır. Video popülaritesi ile GQÖ ve DISCERN puanları arasında anlamlı bir ilişki belirlenmezken, GQÖ ve DISCERN ortalama puanları arasında güçlü ve pozitif bir korelasyon olduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca toplam beğeni sayısı ile toplam yorum ve izlenme sayıları arasında anlamlı ve pozitif korelasyonlar saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Topuk kanı testi reddine, zorunlu yenidoğan taramasına ve “topuk kanı testi efsanesine” ilişkin birçok YouTube videosu yeterli kaliteye ve kanıta dayalı içeriğe sahip değildir, ancak yüksek kaliteli videolar sınırlıdır. Bu durum, dijital sağlık bilgilerinin güvenilirliğinin ve uzmanlar tarafından üretilen içeriğin görünürlüğünün güçlendirilmesi gerektiğini ortaya koymaktadır

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Cite This Article

Beyoğlu, E., Beyoğlu, M. M. (2026). Evaluation of Trending YouTube Videos on Heel Prick Test Refusal, Mandatory Newborn Screening, and the “Heel Prick Test Myth”. Pediatric Practice and Research, Volume: 14 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.21765/pprjournal.1884155

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