P1232 - Inadequate Representation of Gastroenterologists on TikTok: Is It Time to Take the Narrative in Our Own Hands?

Abdullah Aleem, MD¹, Maya Sarihan, MD², Parvir Aujla, MD³, Christine Catinis, MD, MS^2
1University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, AZ; ²University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; ³University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX

Introduction: 150 million Americans are on TikTok with one of its most popular topics being gut health. Currently, keywords like “gut health” and “gut tok” amount to approximately 6 billion views. These phrases are used as colloquial terms to reference a myriad of gastrointestinal diseases. Our study focuses on videos about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a historically dissatisfied patient population with studies citing 50% being unhappy with treatments. We set to evaluate both the quality and creators of these videos. With aim to better understand the importance of the role of the gastroenterologist on this platform to tackle both misinformation and patient satisfaction.

Methods: We analyzed 176 TikTok videos under the keywords "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" and "IBS". Each video was independently analyzed by two physicians. Criteria included content, quality (using the Global Quality Score), recommendations consistent with AGA guidelines, and credentials of the creator. In addition, top 3 comments were evaluated on each video regarding dissatisfaction from GI physicians. Exclusion criteria was set for videos that had no educational value or incorrect use of tagged keyword.

Results: 100 TikTok videos met criteria for analysis. 33% were made by healthcare professionals, with only 2% made by Gastroenterologists. The overall quality of the videos was poor, with an average quality rating of 2.76. In comparison, videos made by physicians had an average quality rating of 4.1. 35% discussed diet and lifestyle modifications, with only 4% of videos mentioning other AGA guideline directed options. 13% of videos expressed dissatisfaction from their Gastroenterologist regarding their IBS care. With the top 10 highest views on videos created by non healthcare professionals.

Discussion: With over 6 billion views on gut health, it is clear patients are seeking guidance from TikTok, particularly those dissatisfied with their care. There has been great advancement in the pharmacotherapy available for the treatment of IBS, however on our video analysis less than 5% are discussing any AGA guideline directed care besides diet and lifestyle modifications. The dramatic difference in the quality score of physician-created videos in comparison to non, further highlights the misunderstanding surrounding IBS therapy. We believe that the lack of gastroenterologists on TikTok discussing IBS contributes to the spread of low quality information, which will continue to perpetuate low patient satisfaction.




Disclosures:


Abdullah Aleem, MD¹, Maya Sarihan, MD², Parvir Aujla, MD³, Christine Catinis, MD, MS². P1232 - Inadequate Representation of Gastroenterologists on TikTok: Is It Time to Take the Narrative in Our Own Hands?, ACG 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Vancouver, BC, Canada: American College of Gastroenterology.