Evaluating the information quality and reliability of ovarian cancer educational content on TikTok and Bilibili: a cross-sectional study

Ovarian cancer is the gynecological malignancy with the highest mortality rate. In the digital era, short videos have become a primary means for the public to access information about ovarian cancer. We aim to evaluate the quality, reliability and content integrity of ovarian cancer-related videos on TikTok and Bilibili. Searches for the keyword “卵巢癌” (ovarian cancer) on TikTok and Bilibili platforms recorded uploader types, content categories, and user engagement metrics. Videos were evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), modified DISCERN assessment tool (mDISCERN), and Content Integrity Score (CS). Higher GQS scores and mDISCERN scores indicate higher video quality and reliability, respectively. Statistical analysis employed nonparametric tests and Spearman’s correlation analysis. A total of 213 videos were included and analyzed (TikTok: n = 126; Bilibili: n = 87). Regarding general information, Bilibili videos had a significantly longer median duration than TikTok videos (250 s vs. 97 s, p < 0.001), but user engagement metrics were significantly lower on the Bilibili platform (p < 0.001). Regarding assessment of quality, reliability and content integrity, no statistically significant differences were observed between platforms in GQS, mDISCERN, or CS scores (p > 0.05). Overall quality and reliability were poor (88.73% of videos scored ≤ 3 on GQS, 86.86% scored ≤ 2 on mDISCERN), with insufficient completeness (76.06% scored low on CS). Both specialists and non-specialists physicians achieved significantly higher GQS scores than general users (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed no positive relationship between user engagement metrics and any scores (GQS, mdiscern, and CS). TikTok and Bilibili exhibit significant differences in ovarian cancer-related short video content and user engagement metrics, yet the quality of information on both platforms falls short of ideal standards. Furthermore, user interaction levels did not differ based on assessment scoring (quality, reliability or content integrity). We urge platforms to optimize their health content recommendation mechanisms, encourage healthcare professionals to create high-quality, accessible content, and recommend that clinicians guide patients in critically evaluating information from short videos.