Improving access to postpartum healing in Cesarean delivery women via TikTok: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and explore the products, techniques, and procedures shared on TikTok to assist postpartum mothers in healing cesarean section scars and to evaluate the platform's role in educating patients about cesarean scar healing. This descriptive cross-sectional study was motivated by concerns over the variability and potential misinformation in social media content, which could influence postpartum recovery practices.

METHODS

A preliminary analysis of TikTok content was conducted using specific search terms related to cesarean scar healing. Videos were evaluated for engagement metrics (likes, views, and comments), content themes, and the types of products or techniques recommended. The relevance of the content to postpartum recovery, including physical and emotional aspects, was assessed.

RESULTS

Our analysis found that CS healing is a widely discussed topic on TikTok, with videos serving purposes such as education, destigmatization, entertainment, and product promotion. Most content was created by laypersons or influencers, with only a small portion led by healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

TikTok provides a supportive platform for postpartum mothers to share experiences and learn about CS healing. However, misinformation and oversimplification on social media emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before making medical decisions or altering post-operative healing treatment plans.