Public interest in online searching of asthma information: insights from a Google trends analysis.

Abstract

Background: Google Trends (GT) is a free tool that provides insights into the public's interest and information-seeking behavior on specific topics. In this study, we utilized GT data on patients' search history to better understand their questions and information needs regarding asthma.

Methods: We extracted the relative GT search volume (RSV) for keywords associated with asthma to explore information-seeking behaviors and assess internet search patterns regarding asthma disease from 2004 to 2024 in both English and Persian languages. In addition, a correlation analysis was conducted to assess terms correlated with asthma searches. Then, the AutoRegressive predictive models were developed to estimate future patterns of asthma-related searches and the information needs of individuals with asthma.

Results: The analysis revealed that the mean total RSV for asthma-related keywords over the 20-year period was 41.79 ± 6.07. The researchers found that while asthma-related search volume has shown a consistent upward trend in Persian-speaking countries over the last decade, English-speaking countries have experienced less variability in such searches except for a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. The correlation analysis of related subjects showed that "air pollution", "infection", and "insomnia" have a positive correlation with asthma. Developing AutoRegressive predictive models on retrieved Google Trends data revealed a seasonal pattern in global asthma-related search interest. In contrast, the models forecasted a growing increase in information-seeking behaviors regarding asthma among Persian-speaking patients over the coming decades.

Conclusions: There are significant differences in how people search for and access asthma information based on their language and regional context. In English-speaking countries, searches tend to focus on broader asthma-related topics like pollution and infections, likely due to the availability of comprehensive asthma resources. In contrast, Persian speakers prioritize understanding specific aspects of asthma-like symptoms, medications, and complementary treatments. To address these divergent information needs, health organizations should tailor content to these divergent needs.