Misinformation on first aid for seizures communicated through the fastest growing social media platform: A cross-sectional study of TikTok content

Abstract

Introduction

Social media platforms have significant potential to enhance public knowledge on how to respond to generalised seizures. Among the platforms, TikTok emerges as a standout performer, demonstrating exceptional user engagement.

Study objective

This study aimed to assess the quality of content on first aid for seizures posted on TikTok.

Methods

TikTok videos providing instructions on first aid for generalised seizures and having at least 100,000 views were analysed for completeness and correctness of the advice using a 21-item checklist. Any misleading recommendations suggesting inappropriate actions were collected from the videos and users’ comments on the videos.

Results

Nineteen eligible videos had a total of 19,502,200 views. The videos frequently omitted key guidelines-concordant instructions on first aid for seizures, in particular, to lay the person down to prevent falling (missed in 84.2% of the videos), avoid moving the person unless they are in danger (89.5%), check the person’s breathing once the seizure has ended (89.5%) and commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person remains unresponsive and not breathing normally (94.7%). Nine videos (47.4%) contained misleading instructions, most commonly to put the person on their side or otherwise move them during the seizure. Multiple comments to the videos advocated futile and dangerous actions, for instance, putting objects into the person’s mouth, restraining, or hitting the person.

Conclusion

TikTok videos convey information on first aid for seizures to multi-million audiences concurrently propagating incomplete, inaccurate and potentially harmful non-evidence-based advice. Urgent research and regulatory efforts are needed to develop effective strategies to combat the misinformation spread.