(209) TIKTOK FOR LOW T: THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY MISINFORMATION AND SUPPLEMENTATION ON A POPULAR VIDEO PLATFORM

Abstract Introduction Due to challenges diagnosing young men with “low T” secondary to non-specific presenting symptoms, patients have turned towards self-managed forms of treatment obtained from non-medical resources like TikTok without proper risk of future side-effects. Objective Understand the current landscape of symptomatic hypogonadism (i.e., “low T”) content and treatment options on TikTok, the fast-growing social media platform in popularity. Methods Using a proprietary TikTok application program interface (API) program, we queried the most-viewed TRT-related videos based on associated hashtag created from October 2022 – 2023. Videos in a language other than English, lacking textual or verbal content, or deemed unrelated to TRT were excluded. Included videos were subsequently analyzed by two independent reviewers based on the AUA Testosterone Deficiency Guidelines (AUA-TDG). Results Of 562 videos, 50 videos by 22 unique creators met inclusion criteria; since their creation, these videos garnered more than 15 million views, almost 1 million likes, and 35 K shares. While 36% of these videos mentioned TRT would improve erectile function, lean body mass, and/or depressive symptoms (AUA-TDG 14,) only four mentioned inconclusive evidence around TRT improving cognitive function (AUA-TDG 15) or encouraging lifestyle modification prior to starting TRT (AUA-TDG 21). No videos analyzed mentioned the long-term impact of exogenous testosterone on future fertility (AUA-TDG 16). Of the 22 unique creators, only one was an MD trained in family medicine. Most videos (72%, n = 36) were made by companies advertising their supplement. Conclusions Patients are increasingly turning towards non-medical institutions for low T information and supplementation. By the time patients seek medical care, it may be due to improperly advised negative side effects. Given the lack of educational, non-commercial videos about TRT benefits and risks on popular content platforms like TikTok, we urge physicians to actively engage in creating accurate and holistic content to reach patients currently consuming healthcare disinformation. Disclosure No.