Assessing Gastrointestinal Awareness on TikTok: A Content Analysis of Colorectal Cancer, IBS, and IBD Narratives.

Duggal, Shivangini; Mahapatra, Swati; Garrison, Keith; Robles, Alejandro · Am J Gastroenterol · 2025

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

Social media platforms such as TikTok are major sources of health information but raise concerns about misinformation. We conducted a content analysis of the top 200 TikTok videos on colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Videos were categorized by content focus and narrator type. Colorectal cancer videos were largely health care provider generated (66.5%), whereas irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease content was mostly patient-driven (79.14% and 80.32%), with frequent misinformation. Dietary changes were commonly discussed; evidence-based treatments were underrepresented. Greater health care engagement and content regulation are needed to improve the quality of online gastrointestinal health information.

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