Quality, reliability, and stigmatizing content of sexual and gender minority health videos on Chinese short-form video platforms
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations increasingly rely on digital platforms for health information, yet the quality, reliability, and stigmatizing content of SGM health videos remain unclear. This study evaluated SGM health-related short-form videos on the Chinese platforms Douyin and Bilibili. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional content analysis of prominently ranked videos retrieved using 15 research-team-developed search terms during the prespecified data-collection period (January 1-May 1, 2026). For each search term, the first 10 results returned under each platform's default ranking were recorded, yielding 150 candidate records per platform before deduplication. Eligible videos were assessed for uploader type, content theme, engagement metrics, Global Quality Score (GQS), modified DISCERN reliability, medical accuracy, misinformation, and an exploratory stigma-to-affirmation communication score. Non-parametric tests, Cramér's V with 95% confidence intervals, and unadjusted Spearman correlations were used. Results: Of 300 candidate records, 194 videos were included (118 Douyin, 76 Bilibili). Individual users and healthcare professionals were the most common uploaders. HIV/STI prevention and mental health were the leading themes, whereas healthcare access, privacy protection, HPV vaccination, and cancer screening were underrepresented. Overall quality was moderate [median GQS = 3.0; interquartile range (IQR), 2.0-4.0], but reliability was limited (median modified DISCERN = 2.0; IQR, 1.0-3.0). High-quality and highly reliable videos accounted for 38.1% and 19.1%, respectively. Misinformation appeared in 27.8% of videos, and 17.0% contained stigmatizing, pathologizing, fear-based, or discriminatory elements. Raw cumulative engagement metrics were strongly intercorrelated but showed weak unadjusted associations with quality, reliability, accuracy, or the exploratory communication score. Conclusion: Among prominently ranked SGM health videos identified using the predefined search strategy, overall quality was moderate, reliability was limited, thematic coverage was uneven, and misinformation and stigmatizing communication remained present. Raw engagement metrics showed weak associations with quality-related scores. These findings describe a time-bounded algorithmic snapshot and should not be generalized to all content on either platform.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Authors: Haoyang Hu, Zekai Yu, Fei Yang
Institutions: Chinese PLA General Hospital, Hangzhou Dianzi University
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7221749404