Quality assessment and dissemination of varicocele health information on short-video platforms: A comparative study of TikTok and Bilibili

TikTok and Bilibili have gradually become important sources for the public to obtain health information. This study aims to evaluate the content, quality, and reliability of varicocele-related videos. We conducted a search on both platforms using the keyword "varicocele" and collected the top 150 videos based on the default rankings, along with video duration, engagement metrics, uploader identity, and video content. Videos were assessed using the global quality score (GQS) and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) scales. Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare differences between groups. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the relationships between video features, engagement, and quality. A total of 255 videos were included. The content of the videos was primarily focused on treatment (71.37%), with limited coverage of prevention (32.16%). The median GQS score was 3.00 (interquartile range (IQR): 3.00-4.00), and the median mDISCERN score was 2.00 (IQR: 2.00-2.00). TikTok demonstrated a higher GQS score than Bilibili (P < .05). Compared to individual users and non-specialists, videos uploaded by specialists scored higher on both GQS and mDISCERN (P < .05). No significant correlation was found between engagement metrics and either GQS or mDISCERN (P > .05). The quality and reliability of varicocele-related videos are suboptimal, with insufficient coverage of prevention content. Videos uploaded by specialists demonstrated higher quality and reliability. Engagement metrics were not correlated with video quality or reliability. Future platforms should strengthen content monitoring and review processes and provide support for professional creators to enhance the credibility and educational value of digital health communication.