YouTube, Bilibili, and TikTok serve as important stroke-relevant information sources: A cross-sectional study

Stroke remains a huge disease burden source on a global scale due to its high prevalence rate and mortality. Social media platforms serve as significant health-relevant information dissemination channels. However, the role of social media platforms in stroke-relevant information spread has not been established well. The aim of this study is to explore the role of social media platforms in stroke-relevant information spread.

To conduct this cross-sectional study, stroke-related videos were collected from YouTube, Bilibili, and TikTok. The quality of included videos was assessed by using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and Modified DISCERN score systems. A guideline-based content analysis was performed to assess the content accuracy and comprehensiveness. Potential positive factors were determined with multiple ordered logistic regression. The dose-relationship between playback time and like was analyzed by employing restricted cubic spline analysis.

A total of 300 stroke-relevant videos were included for further analysis (YouTube 100; Bilibili 100; TikTok 100). Mean JAMA scores of YouTube videos, Bilibili videos, and TikTok videos were 2.51, 2.62, and 2.76, respectively. Mean GQS scores of YouTube videos, Bilibili videos, and TikTok videos were 3.11, 2.79, and 2.60, respectively. Mean Modified DISCERN score of YouTube videos, Bilibili videos, and TikTok videos were 3.00, 2.88, and 2.78, respectively. No significant difference was found in quality scores across the three platforms. Content analysis suggested that all included videos demonstrated good performance in terms of accuracy and evidence support. Personal experience, health professionals, science communications, general users, news agencies, and nonprofit organizations were identified as potential positive factors for better viewers' level of enjoyment. The video playback time was negatively correlated with the viewers' level of enjoyment.

Social media platforms facilitate the spread of stroke-relevant information. To enhance viewer engagement, regardless of the platform, video creators should strive to make their videos more concise.