Objective:

This study evaluates the content and quality of widely viewed TikTok videos concerning melanoma.

Approach:

• Video Collection: TikTok was searched with hashtags #melanoma, #metastaticmelanoma, and #skincancer, collecting 32 videos for assessment.
• Quality Assessment: Videos were evaluated using the DISCERN instrument, focusing on publication reliability and information quality.

Key Findings:

• 56% of videos were created by physicians, with dermatologists being the majority (72%).
• The mean DISCERN score for all videos was 2.08.
• Excluding treatment-related questions raised the adjusted DISCERN score to 2.68.
• Physician-produced videos scored higher than nonphysician videos (DISCERN: 2.3 vs 1.79).
• Longer and educational videos received higher quality scores and audience engagement.

Limitations:

• Cross-sectional design limits the ability to draw causal conclusions.
• Reliance on three hashtags may not represent all relevant content.
• Inability to authenticate creators' credentials.
• TikTok's search algorithm may affect video visibility.

Sources:

• TikTok User Statistics
• Cancer Statistics
• Early Detection of Skin Cancer