M J Köhler1, S Springer, M Kaatz. 1. Klinik für Hautkrankheiten, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Erfurter Str. 35, 07743, Jena, Deutschland, johannes.koehler@med.uni-jena.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The volume of search engine queries about disease-relevant items reflects public interest and correlates with disease prevalence as proven by the example of flu (influenza). Other influences include media attention or holidays. STUDY GOAL: The present work investigates if the seasonality of prevalence or symptom severity of dermatoses correlates with search engine query data. METHODS: The relative weekly volume of dermatological relevant search terms was assessed by the online tool Google Trends for the years 2009-2013. For each item, the degree of seasonality was calculated via frequency analysis and a geometric approach. RESULTS: Many dermatoses show a marked seasonality, reflected by search engine query volumes. Unexpected seasonal variations of these queries suggest a previously unknown variability of the respective disease prevalence. Furthermore, using the example of allergic rhinitis, a close correlation of search engine query data with actual pollen count can be demonstrated. DISCUSSION: In many cases, search engine query data are appropriate to estimate seasonal variability in prevalence of common dermatoses. This finding may be useful for real-time analysis and formation of hypotheses concerning pathogenetic or symptom aggravating mechanisms and may thus contribute to improvement of diagnostics and prevention of skin diseases.
BACKGROUND: The volume of search engine queries about disease-relevant items reflects public interest and correlates with disease prevalence as proven by the example of flu (influenza). Other influences include media attention or holidays. STUDY GOAL: The present work investigates if the seasonality of prevalence or symptom severity of dermatoses correlates with search engine query data. METHODS: The relative weekly volume of dermatological relevant search terms was assessed by the online tool Google Trends for the years 2009-2013. For each item, the degree of seasonality was calculated via frequency analysis and a geometric approach. RESULTS: Many dermatoses show a marked seasonality, reflected by search engine query volumes. Unexpected seasonal variations of these queries suggest a previously unknown variability of the respective disease prevalence. Furthermore, using the example of allergic rhinitis, a close correlation of search engine query data with actual pollen count can be demonstrated. DISCUSSION: In many cases, search engine query data are appropriate to estimate seasonal variability in prevalence of common dermatoses. This finding may be useful for real-time analysis and formation of hypotheses concerning pathogenetic or symptom aggravating mechanisms and may thus contribute to improvement of diagnostics and prevention of skin diseases.
Authors: Jeremy Ginsberg; Matthew H Mohebbi; Rajan S Patel; Lynnette Brammer; Mark S Smolinski; Larry Brilliant Journal: Nature Date: 2009-02-19 Impact factor: 49.962
Authors: Krzysztof Bartosz Klimiuk; Dawid Krefta; Karol Kołkowski; Karol Flisikowski; Małgorzata Sokołowska-Wojdyło; Łukasz Balwicki Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-22 Impact factor: 4.614