A google trends analysis: evaluation of the search frequency about alternative treatment methods during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: A rapidly grown up information about COVID-19 has been regularly broadcast on internet websites or social media. In this period, it can be argued that there has been an increase in the online search about the COVID-19 infection, disease prevention or treatment methods. We investigated the Google research trends in searches of alternative treatment methods during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Methods: The Google Trends TM (GT TM) was used to retrieve data on Internet user search activities and patterns of Google search queries. We searched most known keywords related to alternative and herbal therapies such as thyme, sumac, ginger, tonics, propolis, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc in GT TM between January 1, 2020 and May 5, 2020 in Turkish. Results: According to the GT TM analysis of Turkey as of the indicated dates, there have been an intensive search for COVID-19 and treatment methods in March. It was determined that the searches related to the molecules mentioned above peaked at different times and then the search interest decreased. It was also found that the level of social interest decreased with the prolongation of the pandemic period about COVID-19. Conclusion: The data we obtained as a result of our study demonstrated that there was an increase in the search on medicinal herbs and drugs by the internet users in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic.