Evaluating the Quality of <scp>TikTok</scp> Videos on Vitiligo: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Hilla Rosenberg, Yael Hollander, Cathy Gordon, Reut Rotem, Amir Horev
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder causing skin depigmentation, significantly impacts quality of life. With over 1 billion users, TikTok has become a major platform for health information dissemination. However, its engagement-driven algorithm raises concerns about misinformation. This study evaluates the accuracy of the most-liked vitiligo-related TikTok videos and examines the platform's role in health education. METHODS: We retrieved TikTok videos using "#Vitiligo" and analyzed the first 100 videos that met inclusion criteria. Videos were categorized into healthcare providers (HP) and non-healthcare providers (NHP). Content characteristics and engagement metrics were extracted. Three independent reviewers assessed quality using multiple assessment tools-Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), and Global Quality Score (GQS). A novel tool, V-TRACE, was developed to evaluate (1) clinical aspects (pathophysiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and autoimmune comorbidities) and (2) social aspects (body image and representation of people of color). RESULTS: Of 100 videos analyzed, 25% were from HP, demonstrating significantly higher quality across all metrics. HP videos focused on education (96% vs. 20%, p < 0.01) and scored higher on mDISCERN (2.66 vs. 1.66, p < 0.01), GQS (2.66 vs. 1.6, p < 0.01), and VIQI (12.33 vs. 10.00, p < 0.01). NHP produced 75% of videos, received higher engagement (p = 0.04), and had a more positive tone (30.7% vs. 12%, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vitiligo-related TikTok content lacks reliability. HPs produce higher-quality content, while NHPs dominate engagement and potentially spread misinformation. There is a need for more evidence-based, engaging content to improve patient education on the platform.