quality of life

Concerning Rise of misinformation: Study Reveals Quality Concerns in Online Orthognathic Surgery Videos on Chinese Platforms

BEIJING – A new study published this month highlights a critical issue in the rapidly expanding world of online health data: the variable quality and reliability of videos concerning orthognathic surgery (jaw reconstruction) on popular Chinese short-video platforms TikTok and BiliBili. Researchers found meaningful inconsistencies in the accuracy and trustworthiness of content, raising concerns about patient expectations and potential misinformation.The proliferation of short-form video content has dramatically altered how individuals seek health information. Orthognathic surgery,a complex procedure with significant physical and psychological implications,is increasingly discussed online. This study,appearing in scientific Reports,provides a crucial assessment of the information landscape available to Chinese patients considering this treatment.

The research team systematically analyzed the top 100 videos from each platform, utilizing the Global Quality Score (GQS) and modified DISCERN instrument (mDISCERN) – established tools for evaluating health information quality – specifically from the perspective of orthognathic surgeons. The analysis revealed a need for improvement in the accuracy and clarity of online content.

key Findings & Context:

Platform Differences: The study is notable for its comparative approach, examining both TikTok and BiliBili. these platforms,while both popular in China,cater to distinct demographics,influencing the type of content shared.
Quality Assessment: The GQS and mDISCERN tools were applied to assess factors like accuracy, presentation, and overall quality of the videos. This rigorous methodology strengthens the study’s findings.
Need for Professional Input: The researchers emphasize the importance of medical professionals actively creating and sharing high-quality, accessible videos to combat misinformation and educate the public. The Chinese government has already begun to address this issue with regulations aimed at improving the quality of online health content.
Strengths of the Study: The use of two autonomous raters, with a third reviewer resolving discrepancies, ensured objectivity and consistency in the evaluation process. This robust interrater reliability is a significant strength.

Limitations and Future Directions:

While valuable, the study acknowledges certain limitations. The analysis focused solely on the 100 most popular videos on each platform, perhaps overlooking valuable content from less-visible sources. Though, previous research suggests that analyzing top-performing videos provides a representative sample of the overall content landscape. The study’s cross-sectional design means it doesn’t capture how content evolves over time,highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring. Furthermore, the focus on Chinese-language videos limits the generalizability of the findings to other regions and languages.

Crucial Details Not Present in the Original Text:

Orthognathic Surgery Details: The study implicitly assumes reader familiarity with orthognathic surgery. this procedure corrects jaw alignment issues, frequently enough addressing functional problems like difficulty chewing or speaking, and also aesthetic concerns. It can involve moving the upper or lower jaw, or both.
GQS & mDISCERN Breakdown: the GQS assesses overall quality, while mDISCERN specifically evaluates the reliability, accuracy, and presentation of health information. mDISCERN considers aspects like treatment options, potential side effects, and the source of the information.
Demographic Differences: TikTok generally attracts a younger audience, while BiliBili is popular among those interested in animation, comics, and games (ACG) content, and increasingly, more specialized educational material. This influences the style and content of videos on each platform.
Regulatory Context: The Chinese government’s regulations regarding online health content are relatively recent and aim to curb the spread of unverified medical advice.

The researchers advocate for future cross-cultural studies to assess the quality of online orthognathic surgery information globally, ultimately promoting reliable medical information and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.Longitudinal studies are also needed to track changes in content quality and identify emerging trends in online health misinformation.