A recent cross-sectional study depicted that gastroenterologist videos offer accurate guidance and higher-quality information on preventing and treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The aim was to assess the quality of health information presented in H. pylori-related videos on short video platforms in China, with the objective of offering recommendations for enhancing the content of such videos pertaining to H. pylori.

Researchers examined 242 H. pylori-related videos across Kwai, Bilibili, and TikTok. Utilizing the Global Quality Score (GQS) and a modified DISCERN tool, the quality and content of these videos were examined. Furthermore, comparative analyses were carried out on videos sourced from different origins, alongside an examination of prevalent H. pylori-related topics. The median GQS score and DISCERN score were both 2 for the H. pylori-related videos analyzed. Non-gastroenterologists were responsible for the majority of these videos, accounting for 56.2% (136 out of 242).

Videos uploaded by gastroenterologists, constituting 21.0% (51 out of 242), exhibited the highest GQS and DISCERN scores, with a median score of 3. Notably, a minority of videos addressed topics such as family-based H. pylori infection control and management (5.8%), the necessity of eradication treatment for all H. pylori-positive patients (27.7%), and the adverse effects of H. pylori eradication therapy (16.1%).

The study concluded that the quality of H. pylori-related videos on Chinese platforms falls short of offering adequate education. Notably, videos from gastroenterologists offered superior guidance, highlighting the importance of sourcing information from credible medical care professionals.  To curb the dissemination of misinformation over the internet, short video platforms ought to be urged to improve management practices. Moreover, there must be a push for more professionals to produce authoritative videos.