JCOGP
Journal of Controversies in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics

As of January 2023, our "Journal of Controversies Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics" has been published under the Medihealth Academy to publish all articles, reviews and case reports on Pediatrics, especially in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In order to facilitate the citation of the articles, to take our place in internationally respected indexes and to reach a wider readership, we will pay attention to the fact that our article language is only English in terms of acceptance.

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Original Article
Scientific reliability of YouTube videos on postnatal care: a systematic evaluation of content quality
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the scientific reliability, educational quality, and usefulness of the most-viewed YouTube videos related to postnatal care.
Methods: This cross-sectional content analysis included the 100 most-viewed English-language YouTube videos identified using the keywords “postnatal care,” “postpartum care,” “postpartum recovery,” “new mother care,” “maternal postpartum health,” and “postnatal support.” Video duration, engagement metrics, and uploader type were recorded. Scientific reliability, educational quality, and content usefulness were assessed using DISCERN, the Global Quality Scale (GQS), and a structured usefulness score based on international postpartum care recommendations.
Results: Mean video duration was 8.9±5.4 minutes and mean views were 587.421±1.243.865. Healthcare professionals and institutions accounted for 60% of videos. The mean DISCERN score was 46.7±12.4, indicating moderate scientific reliability, while the mean GQS score was 3.6±1.1. Only 9% of videos were classified as excellent according to DISCERN criteria. Breastfeeding support (86%), maternal recovery (79%), and newborn care (71%) were the most frequently addressed topics, whereas family planning (28%), warning signs (31%), and maternal mental health (42%) were less common. Videos uploaded by healthcare professionals achieved significantly higher DISCERN, GQS, and usefulness scores than non-professional content (p<0.001). Longer video duration and the presence of scientific references were independently associated with higher DISCERN scores.
Conclusion: The quality and scientific reliability of YouTube videos on postnatal care are heterogeneous. Although professionally generated content demonstrates higher quality, several important postpartum topics remain insufficiently covered. Increasing the availability of evidence-based educational content may improve maternal health literacy and support informed decision-making.

Keywords : Postnatal care, postpartum care, YouTube, health information, DISCERN, maternal health

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 59-65
https://doi.org/10.51271/JCOGP-0075
Article Information
Received : 20 Haz 2026
Accepted : 20 Tem 2026
Published : 30 Tem 2026
Corresponding Author :

Mert Satılmış: Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Satılmış M, Fidancı İ, Aksoy H, Ayhan Başer D. Scientific reliability of YouTube videos on postnatal care: a systematic evaluation of content quality. J Controv Obstetr Gynecol Ped. 2026;4(3):59-65. doi:10.51271/JCOGP-0075

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