Abstract

YouTube is a video sharing website which allows users to upload and share media clips (sometimes termed UGM-user-generated media) on a variety of topics and to post comments online. Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease, which can affect all ages, but is more prevalent in adults over 60 years. Current emphasis on self-management includes finding out reliable information about what individuals can do for themselves. Exercise is universally recognised as being beneficial and a part of self-management. It is suggested that YouTube has the potential to be a powerful tool to share knowledge and demonstrate appropriately tailored exercises for osteoarthritis. This can be part of the self-management and health literacy skills which empower individuals to cope with their symptoms. Analysis of YouTube content will form the basis of suggestions for developing YouTube sites to engage users with self-management strategies for osteoarthritis.