Recurrent aphthous stomatitis information on TikTok: satisfactory or substandard?

BACKGROUND

Social media is increasingly utilised as a means of disseminating oral health information. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common ulcerating condition of the oral mucosa.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of TikTok videos concerning RAS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

TikTok searches were performed using the terms "canker sores/#cankersores" and "aphthous ulcers/#aphthousulcers" and arranged by popularity. Videos were analysed and categorised into healthcare professionals (HCPs), non-healthcare professionals (non-HCPs) and other. Video quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS), modifed DISCERN (mDISCERN) and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT).

RESULTS

Eighty-three videos were analysed. Overall, the videos were of poor quality with mean GQS and mDISCERN scores of 2.21 and 1.74 respectively. PEMAT understandability and actionability scores averaged 76.43% and 68.47% respectively. Videos uploaded by HCPs were generally of higher quality than others; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Weak positive correlation was noted between video engagement and quality (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The quality of videos examined was generally poor. It is important that social media users exert caution when utilising TikTok as a means of educating themselves about oral health. Additionally, healthcare professionals must be aware of health misinformation on social media, as it may negatively influence patient outcomes.