Information quality and reliability of pheochromocytoma-related videos on tiktok and Kwai: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Short-video platforms are major sources of health information, yet the quality of pheochromocytoma-related content is unclear. We assessed and compared the quality and reliability of related videos on TikTok and Kwai.

METHODS

Using the Chinese keyword "," we searched TikTok and Kwai (24-25 Dec 2025) with a newly created account and retrieved the first 120 videos from each platform under the default "comprehensive" ranking. After exclusions, 178 videos were included (TikTok, n = 100; Kwai, n = 78). Video metrics, uploader characteristics, and content features were extracted. Quality and reliability were assessed using GQS (1-5) and mDISCERN (0-5) by two blinded reviewers, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. We compared video characteristics and GQS/mDISCERN scores between TikTok and Kwai, and performed subgroup analyses by uploader identity and physician specialty. Nonparametric tests and Spearman correlation analyses were conducted using R 4.1.3.

RESULTS

Median video length was 73.0 s; median GQS and mDISCERN were both 2.0, indicating generally low quality and reliability. Most videos were posted by healthcare personnel (81.5%), predominantly urologists (50.6%). TikTok videos were longer and had higher likes, comments, and collections (all P < 0.001). mDISCERN was higher on TikTok (P = 0.047), while GQS did not differ (P = 0.580). Video length correlated with GQS (r = 0.46) and mDISCERN (r = 0.41), whereas engagement metrics were not reliable proxies for credibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Pheochromocytoma-related short videos on TikTok and Kwai show limited quality and reliability despite professional authorship. Improvements should prioritize verifiable sources and decision-relevant risk framing, supported by platform-level quality labeling and distribution strategies.