Pessary-related Content on TikTok: A Cross-Sectional Quality Assessment

TikTok is increasingly used as a source of health information, yet the quality of pessary-related content has not been evaluated.

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability, accuracy, and educational quality of pessary-related TikTok videos using validated tools.

This was a cross-sectional quality assessment of TikTok videos that were identified using the search term "#pessary." Key engagement metrics, including likes, views, and comments, were extracted, and content creators were categorized as health care professionals (HCP) or non-HCP creators. To minimize algorithmic bias, a new TikTok account was used for data collection. Two independent reviewers assessed the videos using 4 validated tools: (1) modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), (2) Global Quality Scale (GQS), (3) Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), and (4) the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio-Visual Content (PEMAT A/V).

Of 467 videos screened, 59 met inclusion criteria: 43 (72.9%) produced by HCPs and 16 (27.1%) by non-HCPs. HCP videos scored higher across most quality measures, including mDISCERN (median 3 vs 2, P=0.01), PEMAT A/V (median 10 vs 9, P=0.36), and VIQI (median 13.5 vs 11.5, P=0.33). Only 25.4% of videos achieved a GQS score ≥3. No significant differences were observed in views, likes, or shares between HCP and non-HCP videos, though HCP videos received more comments.

Pessary-related TikTok content is generally of low quality. Although videos created by HCPs perform better, substantial gaps remain, highlighting the need for more accurate, accessible, and patient-centered information on social media.