Status of Medical Aesthetic Science Popularization Videos on Social Media in China: Characteristics and Quality Assessment.

Abstract

Background: Medical aesthetics science popularization videos have progressively emerged as a crucial channel of information for patients. Therefore, the significance of their scientific rigor and standardization has become increasingly pronounced. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of comprehensive quality evaluation for such videos in China.

Objectives: This study evaluates the current state and quality of such videos on China's 3 major social media platforms.

Methods: The top 200 videos for 6 key words on 3 major social media platforms were collected. Baseline characteristics and quality evaluation (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio-Visual Materials [PEMAT-A/V] score and DISCERN questionnaire) of the videos were gathered. Analyses were conducted on the differences in video quality and baseline information among different social media and content categories. Then, subgroup analysis based on video sources and correlation analysis was performed.

Results: A total of 2202 medical aesthetic science popularization videos from 3 major social media platforms (Bilibili, TikTok, and Rednote) and 6 topic terms (medical aesthetics, injectable aesthetics, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, fat grafting, and breast surgery) were incorporated into this study. The overall score of such videos was relatively low according to the PEMAT-A/V and DISCERN score. The overall quality of videos on TikTok was relatively higher, followed by that on Bilibili and then on Rednote. Videos related to eye blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty or uploaded by specialists had higher PEMAT-A/V and DISCERN scores.

Conclusions: The overall quality of these videos in China is currently relatively low. In particular, videos on various platforms showed differences in both content and patterns, and videos, with content related to blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty and those produced by specialists exhibited relatively higher quality. This study elucidates the current state of such videos and further emphasizes the significance of improving the standardization and scientific rigor of medical aesthetics science popularization videos.