A surge of interest: Analysing the increased public interest in lipedema using google trends.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to monitor public interest in information related to Lipedema and examine potential temporal, seasonal, and income-related trends that may impact public interest.

Material – methods: A dataset was created using the Google Trends tool by inputting the keyword "Lipedema" to obtain the relative search volume (RSV) from 2004 to the present in the United States (US). To examine potential income-related disparities in public interest in Lipedema across the US, RSV values were recorded in the five states with the highest and the lowest median income (Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington and Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, New Mexico, Kentucky, respectively).

Results: Public interest in Lipedema increased significantly over time (R² = 0.693, p < .001 for the linear trend; R² = 0.880, p < .001 for the quadratic trend). There were no significant differences between the RSV values between the month of the year and the season of the year (p = 1.000 and p = .859, respectively). RSV values of the five highest-income and low-income states showed significant increases (R² = 0.333, p < .001, and R² = 0.195, p < .001, respectively) More rapid growth in interest in Lipedema in states with high income compared to the states with low income (p < .001).

Conclusion: Public interest in Lipedema is increasing in both high-income and low-income states. States with higher incomes are more interested. Searches for lipedema are expected to become more frequent, leading to a rising demand for comprehensive education in medical schools and clinician training programs. In addition, there will also be a need for easily accessible, high-quality information resources.