Post Birth Control Syndrome Narratives on TikTok
A Content Analysis
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6444921 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Emily Pfender (0000-0001-9374-3521, University of Pennsylvania), Leah R Fowler (0000-0002-9946-9196, University of Houston) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 423-429 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-02 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1538-6341 • E-ISSN: 1931-2393 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/psrh.70026 |
| PMID | 40600637 |
| OpenAlex | W4411930007 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 14 |
Objective We aimed to examine how TikTok videos tagged with #postbirthcontrolsyndrome (PBCS) made by different types of creators communicate health risks and coping strategies, using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) to assess threat, fear, and efficacy appeals. Methods We conducted a content analysis of the top 100 TikTok videos using the hashtag #postbirthcontrolsyndrome by coding videos for EPPM variables (threat, fear, efficacy), creator type (healthcare provider, content creator, regular user), and engagement metrics (likes, comments, saves). Results Content creators frequently portrayed PBCS as severe (40/49) and highlighted side effects (44/49). Healthcare providers emphasized that PBCS is common (13/33) and provided management strategies (14/33; e.g., tips after discontinuing hormonal contraception). Videos describing severe symptoms received higher comments. Preparatory strategy videos garnered more saves. Discussion PBCS content on TikTok often uses fear‐based messaging with limited efficacy information, which may influence contraceptive decisions. Differences in framing between creators and providers suggest a need for more evidence‐based communication. Engagement trends indicate that both fear appeals and actionable advice drive more user interaction, reinforcing the importance of balancing emotional salience with credible guidance in social media health messaging
Coding (social sciences · Content analysis · Framing (construction · Health care · Internet privacy · Narrative · Social media · Sociology · World Wide Web · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Computer Science · Engineering · Media Influence and Health · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology
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Interrogating the pill
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |