Critical Public Health · Available online 5 Jul 2026 · In press · DOI 10.1080/09581596.2026.2694863
Mengyao Huang, Jinghong Liang, Hui Luo, Qingjian Ye
Background Ovarian endometriosis is a common yet frequently misdiagnosed gynecological condition. The accuracy of health information on video platforms like YouTube, Douyin, and Bilibili remains uncertain.Methods On June 15, 2025, we searched YouTube(English, international), Douyin(Mandarin, China domestic), and Bilibili(Mandarin, China domestic) for the terms ‘chocolate cyst’ and ‘ovarian endometriosis’, retrieving the top 100 videos from each platform. After exclusions, 209 videos were analyzed. Videos were categorized by uploader type and content topic. Quality and reliability were assessed using three standardized instruments: the Global Quality Score (GQS), the Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), and the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tool. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal-Wallis test and correlation analyses to evaluate and compare videos across platforms.Results Douyin videos were shortest but received the highest engagement, whereas YouTube(English, predominantly India-sourced) provided the most comprehensive and reliable content (median GQS 3.0 vs. 2.0–2.5; p < 0.001). Professional uploaders produced significantly higher-quality and more reliable content than non-professionals (p < 0.01). Treatment and management dominated across all platforms (>65%), while staging, prognosis, and fertility indices were largely absent. Video duration correlated positively with quality metrics, whereas popularity indicators (e.g. likes) were inversely associated with quality.Conclusions Short-video platforms provide accessible information on ovarian endometriosis but overall reliability remains limited. YouTube outperformed Douyin and Bilibili in quality and reliability, yet critical prognostic content is missing. To enhance public health education, platforms should prioritize verified professional content and develop dedicated health modules, while clinicians should actively contribute accurate, engaging resources.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Huang, M., Liang, J., Luo, H., et al. (2026). YouTube, Bilibili, Douyin videos as sources of medical information on ovarian endometriosis: cross-sectional content analysis study. Critical Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2026.2694863