Assessing Gastrointestinal Awareness on TikTok: A Content Analysis of Colorectal Cancer, IBS, and IBD Narratives.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Social media platforms like 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 (CRC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Videos were categorized by content focus and narrator type. RESULTS CRC videos were largely healthcare-provider generated (66.5%), while IBS and IBD content was mostly patient-driven (79.14% and 80.32%), with frequent misinformation. Dietary changes were commonly discussed; evidence-based treatments were underrepresented. CONCLUSION Greater healthcare engagement and content regulation are needed to improve the quality of online gastrointestinal health information.