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.