Accuracy, Reliability, and Quality of YouTube and TikTok Videos as Sources of Information on Urticaria: Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
The era of social media platforms has transformed the dissemination of health information, raising concerns about the quality and accuracy of content. Urticaria, a common skin condition, necessitates reliable information for effective management.
Objective:
This study aims to systematically evaluate urticaria-related content on two prominent social media platforms, YouTube and TikTok, utilizing validated tools to assess information reliability and explore the characteristics of videos and their uploaders.
Methods:
On February 16, 2023, a comprehensive search on YouTube and TikTok was conducted for videos related to urticaria. Two independent dermatologists rated 92 eligible videos using DISCERN, GQS, and ANDI. Statistical analyses, including mean values, standard deviations, percentages, and chi-square tests, were employed to interpret the data.
Results:
TikTok videos were predominantly uploaded by patients (63%), whereas YouTube exhibited a higher engagement of healthcare professionals (67.4%). Healthcare professional uploaders on TikTok and YouTube demonstrated significantly higher mean scores in DISCERN, GQS, and ANDI (p < 0.001). The study offers insights into the nuanced dynamics shaping urticaria-related content on these platforms.
Conclusions:
Urticaria videos in TikTok showed a significantly higher engagement ratio and less accuracy and quality of health-related information than YouTube videos. These insights can guide content creators, platform administrators, and healthcare professionals in collaboratively fostering a trustworthy and accurate health information environment on social media. Clinical Trial: Not applicable
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