Abstract
BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Health education is crucial in helping individuals understand OA and its management. In China, where OA is highly prevalent, platforms such as TikTok, WeChat, and XiaoHongshu have become prominent sources of health information. However, there is a lack of research regarding the reliability and educational quality of OA-related content on these platforms. METHODS: This study analyzed the top 100 OA-related videos across three major platforms: TikTok, WeChat, and XiaoHongshu. We systematically evaluated the content quality, reliability, and educational value using established tools, such as the DISCERN scale, JAMA benchmark criteria, and the Global Quality Score (GQS) system. The study also compared differences in video content across platforms, offering insights into their relevance for addressing professional needs. RESULTS: Video quality varied significantly between platforms. TikTok outperformed WeChat and XiaoHongshu in all scoring criteria, with mean DISCERN scores of 32.42 (SD 0.37), 24.57 (SD 0.34), and 30.21 (SD 0.10), respectively (P < 0.001). TikTok also scored higher on the JAMA (1.36, SD 0.07) and GQS (2.46, SD 0.08) scales (P < 0.001). Videos created by healthcare professionals scored higher than those created by non-professionals (P < 0.001). Disease education and symptom self-examination content were more engaging, whereas rehabilitation videos received less attention. CONCLUSIONS: Short-video platforms have great potential for chronic disease health education, with the caveat that the quality of the videos currently varies, and the authenticity of the video content is yet to be verified. While professional doctors play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and authenticity of video content, viewers should approach it with a critical mindset. Even without medical expertise, viewers should be encouraged to question the information and consult multiple sources.