Attitudes and Practices of Adults Regarding the Use of TikTok for Health Information: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

TikTok has rapidly grown as a source of health-related content, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns persist regarding the credibility and reliability of medical information shared on the platform. This study examined the attitudes and practices of adults in Saudi Arabia regarding the use of TikTok for obtaining health information.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 895 adults (aged ≥18 years) in Saudi Arabia between January and June 2024 using purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions about health information on TikTok. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine the associations between demographic factors and TikTok health-information use, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

TikTok use was most common among younger adults and females. Although more than half of participants reported using the app for at least an hour daily, only 41.23% used it to obtain health information. The most frequently searched topics included medication side effects, patient experiences, and general health awareness. Most participants rated TikTok's health information as moderately credible and trusted content more from friends, influencers, and peers than from healthcare professionals. TikTok influenced healthcare provider choices and daily routines but was not widely used before consulting professionals. Female gender was significantly associated with seeking medical information on TikTok (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

TikTok provides accessible health information but is viewed cautiously due to credibility concerns. Increased healthcare professional involvement and digital literacy initiatives may enhance reliability and safe usage.