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Quality evaluation of scar management information on TikTok: a cross-sectional study
Ming Wang1,2, Yi-Jing Jin3, Feng Xu1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Social media platforms like TikTok significantly influence health behaviors, yet the quality of scar management content remains under-evaluated. This study analyzes the quality, reliability, and actionability of scar management information on TikTok and examines the relationship between content quality and user engagement.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis of the 100 most-liked scar management videos was conducted. Two independent raters evaluated videos using mDISCERN, JAMA benchmark criteria, PEMAT-A/V, and the Global Quality Score (GQS). Creators were categorized as healthcare professionals (HCPs), content creators, or general users.
Results:
Healthcare professionals produced higher-quality content (GQS: 3.45 vs. 2.15 for creators; p < 0.001) with significantly better reliability and actionability. However, an "engagement paradox" was observed: lower-quality videos from non-professionals garnered significantly higher engagement (likes, shares) than evidence-based professional content. Misinformation was prevalent in 46.2% of content creator videos.
Conclusion:
A structural disconnect exists on TikTok where accurate medical advice is overshadowed by algorithmically favored, visually stimulating, but often misleading content. Addressing this public health risk requires platform-level algorithmic adjustments and enhanced digital strategies from medical professionals to compete in the attention economy.
