Assessing Gastrointestinal Awareness on TikTok: A Content Analysis of Colorectal Cancer, IBS, and IBD Narratives
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Social media platforms such as TikTok are major sources of health information but raise concerns about misinformation. METHODS: We conducted a content analysis of the top 200 TikTok videos on colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Videos were categorized by content focus and narrator type. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer videos were largely health care provider generated (66.5%), whereas irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease content was mostly patient-driven (79.14% and 80.32%), with frequent misinformation. Dietary changes were commonly discussed; evidence-based treatments were underrepresented. DISCUSSION: Greater health care engagement and content regulation are needed to improve the quality of online gastrointestinal health information.