Cross-language insights: Comparing Spanish and English-language cervical cancer content on TikTok

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate themes, quality, and reliability of cervical cancer (CC) related Spanish-language content on TikTok as compared to English-language content.

Methods: TikTok was systematically searched for the top 200 Spanish-language and 100 English-language posts for CC in August 2024. Data were collected including creator demographics, timing of posts in relation to diagnosis, tone, intent, and themes. The modified DISCERN, a validated tool including structured questions assessing reliability and of health-related resources was utilized to assess videos with educational intent. Differences were assessed.

Results: There were more physician Spanish-language creators (27.8 %) compared to physician English-language creators (11.00 %, p < 0.001). Most Spanish-language education videos were created by physicians (82.25 %). Spanish-language posts were more likely to feature themes of treatment toxicities (7.5 % vs 1.7 %, p < 0.001), faith (3.7 % vs 0.7 %, p = 0.003), pain (2.0 % vs 0 %, p = 0.001), family support (1.6 % vs 0 %, p = 0.004), hair loss (1.8 % vs 0.3 %, p = 0.039), and long-term treatment sequelae (1.4 % vs 0 %, p = 0.007); and less likely to address themes of diagnosis (11.8 % vs 18.0 %, p < 0.001), fear or anxiety about cancer (3.4 % vs 8.2 %, p = 0.002), impact on sexual function (0.6 % vs 6.1 %, p < 0.001) and parenthood (0 % vs 3.7 %, p < 0.001). The median DISCERN score was 1.42 (Interquartile Range [IQR] 1.33-1.67) and 1.33 (IQR 1.00-1.92), for Spanish and English-language posts, respectively (p = 0.385).

Conclusions: There were significantly more Spanish-language physician creators suggesting a strong interest in physician-driven content. Thematic differences between Spanish-language and English-language posts highlight important differences in experiences. CC-related content is of poor educational quality, regardless of language. Improving TikTok educational content could increase CC awareness and prevention.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Health care disparities; Social media; TikTok.