TikTok and Bilibili as sources of information on Helicobacter pylori in China: A content and quality analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is closely associated with gastric diseases and has a high prevalence in China. Public platforms are considered common and important tools to publicize H. pylori‐related information. This study aimed to assess and compare the content and quality of H. pylori‐related videos on TikTok and Bilibili.Materials and MethodsA search was performed on the TikTok and Bilibili platforms using the keyword “H. pylori”. The source of upload was categorized as for‐profit organizations, general users, health professionals, news agencies, nonprofit organizations, and science communicators. The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), Global Quality Scale (GQS), and modified DISCERN scores were used to evaluate the quality of the included videos.ResultsA total of 93 TikTok videos and 79 Bilibili videos were included and analyzed. TikTok videos had a significantly shorter duration than Bilibili videos (64 vs. 149 s, respectively; p < 0.001). The duration of the video showed a positive correlation with the modified DISCERN and GQS scores (p < 0.001, r = 0.388 and r = 0.437, respectively). The JAMA and modified DISCERN scores of the TikTok video were significantly higher in health professionals and nonprofit organizations than in other sources (p < 0.05). For Bilibili, science communicators had a significantly higher JAMA score than the other video sources (p < 0.001). The videos uploaded by news agencies received more views, comments, shares, and favorites than any other organization or individual (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn China, H. pylori‐related videos from TikTok and Bilibili tended to provide the information regarding the transmission and eradication of H. pylori. However, many videos scored an average rating in content and quality and need to be improved. We recommend that the public obtain H. pylori‐related information through videos uploaded by health professionals, nonprofit organizations, and science communicators.