# Analysis of Popular Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Content on TikTok

## TL;DR

This study examined the quality of GERD-related content on TikTok and found that both doctors and non-doctors often failed to provide reliable information.

## Contribution

The study is one of the first to evaluate the quality of GERD content on TikTok using the DISCERN tool.

## Key findings

- Physicians and non-physicians had similar DISCERN scores.
- Both groups scored low in providing sources and discussing treatment risks.
- Content lacked information on consequences of not seeking treatment.

## Abstract

Researchers used the TikTok platform to investigate the quality of select TikTok educational content regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). One hundred TikTok videos that fit the inclusion criteria were analyzed using DISCERN, a tool that evaluates the quality of consumer health information on the internet. There was no substantial difference in DISCERN scores between physicians and non-physician content creators. Nevertheless, both groups consistently scored low (<3) in areas such as providing sources of information, indicating the publication date of their sources, discussing treatment risks, and outlining potential consequences if no treatment is pursued.