Using Xigua Video as a Source of Information on Breast Cancer: Content Analysis (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Seeking health information on the Internet is a very popular trend. Xigua Video, which is a short video platform in China, ranks among the most accessed websites in the country and hosts an increasing number of videos with medical information. However, the nature of the videos is frequently unscientific, misleading, or even harmful. OBJECTIVE Little is known about Xigua Video as a source of information on breast cancer. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the contents, quality, and reliability of breast cancer-related videos. METHODS On February 4, 2020, a search of Xigua Video was made using the keyword "breast cancer." Two doctors categorized the videos as useful or misleading information. Furthermore, the reliability and quality of the videos were assessed using the five-point DISCERN tool and five-point Global Quality Score (GQS) tool. RESULTS Out of the 170 videos selected for the study, 64 (37.6%) were classified as useful, whereas 106 (62.4%) provided misleading information. A total of 71 videos (41.8%) were generated by individuals versus 33 videos (19.4%) contributed by professionals. The topics mainly covered etiology, anatomy, symptoms, preventions, treatments, and prognosis. Treatments was the top topic (70%). The reliability score and GQS score of the videos in the useful information group were high (P < 0.001). No differences were observed in terms of video length, duration in months, and comments between the two groups. The number of total views was higher for the misleading information group (819,478.5 vs. 647,940) but did not reach a level of statistical significance (P = 0.112). The uploading sources of the videos were mainly professionals, health information websites, medical advertisements, and individuals. Statistical differences were found between uploading source groups in terms of reliability score and GQS score (P <.001). In terms of total views, video length, duration, and comments, no statistical differences were indicated among the said groups. However, a statistical difference was noted between the useful and misleading information groups with respect to uploading sources (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS Although many videos on Xigua Video are related to breast cancer, a large number contain misleading information. Although such videos are currently important sources of information for the general population, the need arises for videos with full and accurate information collated by professionals for upload to Xigua Video and other social media. CLINICALTRIAL