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Quality of cataract-related videos on TikTok and its influencing factors: A cross-sectional study

Jia-Min Cao, Feng Zhang, Ziyi Zhu, Wei-Wei Xiong

Digital Health, 2025

41 citations

Abstract

Objective Short videos are increasingly being used to disseminate health information. However, the quality of videos on common ophthalmic conditions such as cataract has not been systematically evaluated. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional design. The TikTok platform was searched using the term “cataract” from 20:00 to 24:00 on 8 November 2024, without any restrictions. The top 100 retrieved videos were included in the study. They were rated using The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, Global Quality Score (GQS) scale, modified Decision-making Information Support Criteria for Evaluating the Reliability of Non-randomised Studies score, and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio Visual Content. Videos by different groups were compared for quality and their underlying factors. Results The top 100 videos had an average of 2009.1 likes, 795.65 comments, 2628.91 shares, and 554.08 saves. Their JAMA benchmark criteria, GQS, the modified Decision-making Information Support Criteria for Evaluating the Reliability of Non-randomised Studies score, and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio Visual Content score ratings differed (p .05). Further regression analysis confirmed that video quality can be predicted using account ownership. Conclusion The quality of cataract-related short videos on platforms has room for improvement. Users may estimate video quality based on the identity of the content creator.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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