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TikTok Influence on Rates of Tonsillectomies for Tonsil Stones.
Nisha Bharat1, Morgan Sandelski2, Samantha Cerasiello2
1Otolaryngology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, USA.
Cureus
|May 24, 2023
Summary
Tonsillectomy rates for tonsil stones rose from 2016-2021, coinciding with TikTok
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Health Informatics
- Social Media Impact on Healthcare
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is a common otolaryngologic procedure, increasingly used for tonsil stones (tonsilloliths).
- Tonsil stones have gained significant popularity on social media, particularly TikTok.
- This study investigates the potential influence of social media trends on tonsillectomy rates for tonsil stones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess trends in outpatient visits and tonsillectomies for tonsil stones at a single institution.
- To analyze the content and volume of TikTok videos related to tonsil stones.
- To explore the correlation between social media popularity and surgical intervention for tonsil stones.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of patient encounters with a tonsillolith diagnosis code (July 2016 - December 2021).
- Analysis of monthly patient visit data and tonsillectomy numbers.
- Review of TikTok videos for "tonsil stones" search results, including content and volume trends.
Main Results:
- 126 patients evaluated for tonsil stones (average age 33.4 years, 76% female).
- Tonsillectomies for tonsil stones increased from 2 to 13 cases annually between 2017 and 2021.
- Monthly patient evaluations for tonsil stones rose from 1.0 in 2017 to 3.3 in 2021, mirroring increased TikTok video prevalence.
Conclusions:
- A rise in tonsillectomies for tonsil stones correlates with the increasing popularity of tonsil stone content on TikTok.
- Social media platforms like TikTok may significantly influence patient decisions and healthcare-seeking behavior for tonsil stones.
- Findings highlight the need to understand social media's impact on consumer health choices and clinical practice.
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