Exploring TikTok's Effect on Perceptions and Misinformation Surrounding Hormonal Birth Control [ID 698]

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the quality and effect of information regarding hormonal birth control disseminated by influencers on TikTok, a widely used social media platform. METHODS: Using the Apify application, we analyzed the top 100 TikTok videos tagged with #hormonalbirthcontrol based on likes, assessing their focus, tone, source, and accuracy. Three independent reviewers evaluated the videos using validated tools (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool [PEMAT], and Development of a Quality Index for Health Information [DISCERN]) to determine understandability and quality, respectively. RESULTS: Most videos were created by patients (n=50) and covered personal experiences (n=43). Among videos with the direct purpose of public health education (n=20), 55% contained inaccurate, non-evidence-based, or misleading information, and 25% were evidence-based or had citations included. A significant portion of videos focused on educating and informing patients on hormonal birth control (n=46), with most encouraging patients to decline hormonal birth control (n=50). The analyzed videos had an average PEMAT understandability score of 52%, an average PEMAT actionability score of 20%, and a DISCERN score of 32, indicating poor quality. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: A substantial proportion of TikTok videos related to hormonal birth control present misleading information and foster negative perceptions. These findings highlight the potential effect of social media on patient decision-making and the need for improved quality control of medical information shared online.