Leveraging internet search data to assess prevalence, interest, and unmet needs of sarcoidosis in Germany

Is YouTube a sufficient source of information on Sarcoidosis?

BACKGROUND

The internet is a common source of health information for patients and caregivers. To date, content and information quality of YouTube videos on sarcoidosis has not been studied. The aim of our study was to investigate the content and quality of information on sarcoidosis provided by YouTube videos.

METHODS

Of the first 200 results under the search term "sarcoidosis," all English-language videos with content directed at patients were included. Two independent investigators assessed the content of the videos based on 25 predefined key features (content score with 0-25 points), as well as reliability and quality (HONCode score with 0-8 points, DISCERN score with 1-5 points). Misinformation contained in the videos was described qualitatively.

RESULTS

The majority of the 85 included videos were from an academic or governmental source (n = 63, 74%), and median time since upload was 33 months (IQR 10-55). Median video duration was 8 min (IQR 3-13) and had a median of 2,044 views (IQR 504 - 13,203). Quality assessment suggested partially sufficient information: mean HONCode score was 4.4 (SD 0.9) with 91% of videos having a medium quality HONCode evaluation. Mean DISCERN score was 2.3 (SD 0.5). Video content was generally poor with a mean of 10.5 points (SD 0.6). Frequently absent key features included information on the course of disease (6%), presence of substantial geographical variation (7%), and importance of screening for extrapulmonary manifestations (11%). HONCode scores were higher in videos from academic or governmental sources (p = 0.003), particularly regarding "transparency of sponsorship" (p < 0.001). DISCERN and content scores did not differ by video category.

CONCLUSIONS

Most YouTube videos present incomplete information reflected in a poor content score, especially regarding screening for extrapulmonary manifestations. Quality was partially sufficient with higher scores in videos from academic or governmental sources, but often missing references and citing specific evidence. Improving patient access to trustworthy and up to date information is needed.

Identifying sarcoidosis trends using web search and real-world data in Sweden: a retrospective longitudinal study

Web search data are associated with disease incidence, population interest, and seasonal variations. This study aimed to investigate seasonal and geographical variations of web search data for sarcoidosis and to explore its association with external factors and sarcoidosis incidence in Sweden. Therefore, sarcoidosis-related data from Google Ads Keyword Planer (2017-2020) were generated for Sweden according to its 21 counties. The relationship between search volume and season, region, population demographics, environmental factors, and the sarcoidosis incidence listed in the National Patient Register was assessed. Analyses revealed seasonal variations for Sweden with an overall peak in the spring and autumn. Geographical differences were observed, with a higher search volume for north-western counties and the lowest search volume for Stockholm County. At the country level, the search volume was positively associated with the sarcoidosis incidence. Higher male proportion and older mean age were associated with a higher search volume, while a higher proportion of foreign-born residents, humidity, and mean temperature were associated with a lower search volume. Our analyses detected correlations between web search data, sarcoidosis incidence, and external factors. Analyses of sarcoidosis web search data therefore appear to be a valuable approach to disease surveillance to address medical needs and public interest.

Leveraging web search data in Germany to identify unmet needs of contraceptives on a population-based level: A longitudinal retrospective study

BACKGROUND

There are a variety of possible contraceptives available. While medical advice is an important resource for selecting the individual contraceptive, previous research has shown that the Internet has become an increasingly important source of health care information.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to identify key trends in contraception-related web searches in Germany and thus allows conclusions about preferences and unmet needs with regard to pregnancy prevention.

DESIGN

Longitudinal retrospective study.

METHODS

Google Ads Keyword Planner was used to identify contraception-related keywords and their search volume in Germany and all federal states between 2018 and 2021. The keywords were categorized based on gender, hormonal/non-hormonal, and different contraceptive methods. Search volume and categories were analyzed for temporal trends, regional differences, and underlying socioeconomic variables.

RESULTS

The 1481 contraception-related keywords corresponded to 15,081,760 searches. In total, a 56% increase in searches/100,000 inhabitants was observed. Highest mean search volume was observed in categories "woman," "woman/non-hormonal" and "woman/non-hormonal/barrier," respectively, and in the federal state Hamburg, while the lowest was seen in North Rhine-Westphalia.

CONCLUSION

The increase in search volume reflects a high interest in contraception, particularly in non-hormonal female methods. This stands in contrast to the limited number of effective non-hormonal contraceptives available and points to an unmet need. In addition, the low search volume for male contraceptives demonstrates gender-specific responsibilities regarding family planning in German society.

"The chameleon among diseases" - an explorative view of sarcoidosis and identification of the consequences for affected patients and relatives using qualitative interviews

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease, with the lungs being the main site of manifestation. Although the exact etiology remains unclear, both genetic and environmental factors are being discussed. Diagnostic evaluation is challenging, and the management of chronic patients and assessment of their needs proves difficult, especially in the absence of targeted therapy. Studies on sarcoidosis patients have shown that quality of life is limited even after clinically measurable parameters have resolved. The question remains how patients and their relatives perceive medical care and the diagnostic process and how these affect their well-being.

METHODS

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and their relatives between September 2019 and February 2020. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Deductive hypotheses were then formed based on categories according to personal aspects, symptoms, diagnostic, daily life activity, therapy, psychological aspects and wishes.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients and five relatives were included. Most patients reported subacute symptoms before the first organ-related episode. A high degree of personal initiative was required from the majority of respondents in both the diagnostic and subsequent therapeutic processes. In addition, respondents reported so-called "doctor-hopping", a lack of specialists or contacts, and a lack of medical support. The Internet and self-help groups played a fundamental role for patients and relatives in exchanging information with other affected persons and to compensate for an existing information deficit.

CONCLUSION

The results provide new insights into patients' and relatives' perceptions of the sarcoidosis diagnosis and treatment process. Identification of barriers such as a lack of physicians and an information deficit highlights potential targets for strategies to optimize sarcoidosis management.

Analyzing web searches for axial spondyloarthritis in Germany: a novel approach to exploring interests and unmet needs

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an underdiagnosed condition with a high disease burden. Due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialist care, conventional health data might not sufficiently capture the perspective of affected individuals. The aim of this study was to assess public interest, unmet needs, and disease burden of axSpA in Germany through the analysis of thematic, geographic, and temporal patterns in national web search data. Google Ads Keyword Planner was used to identify axSpA-related keywords and their monthly search volume in Germany between January 2017 and December 2020. Identified keywords were qualitatively categorized into six categories. Overall, 265 axSpA-related keywords with a search volume of 3,881,490 queries were identified. Nearly 81% of the total search volume was assigned to the category terms and definition, while 19% referred to either outcomes, symptoms, diagnosis, management, or causes. In the category outcomes, prognostic outcomes like "life expectancy" generated more searches than physical manifestations like "pain". Less populated cities showed significantly more searches per 100,000 inhabitants than larger cities. Searches were seasonally stable with a Germany-wide peak in July 2017. This study provides an overview of public interest in axSpA based on web search data in Germany. The identified search patterns could be used to guide public health campaigns and optimize axSpA management in Germany.

Assessing the national burden of allergic asthma by web-search data, pollen counts, and drug prescriptions in Germany and Sweden

Background

Asthma and its main phenotype allergic asthma are prevalent, chronic, and complex diseases affecting 4% of the population. One main trigger for allergic asthma exacerbations is pollen. Online health information search behavior by people is increasing, and analysis of web-search data can provide valuable insight into disease burden and risk factors of a population.

Objectives

We sought to perform a web-search data analysis and correlation to climate factors and pollen in 2 European countries.

Methods

We analyzed the national web-search volume for allergic asthma-related keywords in Germany and Sweden from 2018 to 2021 and correlated it to local pollen counts, climatic factors, and drug prescription rates.

Results

Per capita, more searches were conducted in Sweden than in Germany. A complex geographic stratification within the countries was observed. Search results were seasonal with a peak in spring and correlated with pollen counts in both countries. However, anti-asthmatic drug prescription rates in Sweden, as well as temperature and precipitation in both countries, did not correlate with search volume.

Conclusion

Our analysis offers population-level insights about this complex disease by reporting its needs and establishing the correlation to pollen counts, which enables a targeted approach in the public health management of allergic asthma. Local pollen counts, as opposed to temperature or precipitation, might be good predictors of allergic asthma disease burden.

Eczema-related Web Search Data in Sweden: Investigating Search Patterns and the Influence of Weather

As atopic eczema is triggered by environmental factors, such as temperature, differences in disease burden between and within countries are possible. One method to study this phenomenon is to perform web-search analysis, since the internet is commonly used to retrieve health-related information. This study, investigating the Google search volume regarding eczema in Swedish counties between April 2017 and March 2021, revealed a continuous increase in number of searches and that the search volume was higher in Northern than Southern Sweden. Gotland had the most searches per 100,000 inhabitants. In general, there was a negative correlation between search volume and temperature (r=-0.315, p < 0.001) and hours of sunshine (r=-0.213, p < 0.001), whereas there was a positive association between search volume and wind (r=0.229, p < 0.001). Search engine analysis is a rapid and cost-effective method of examining search behaviour regarding disease among the general population within a country and, thus, can enable the identification of regions with specific interests and needs.

Association between bedroom light exposure at night and allostatic load among Chinese young adults

Light at night (LAN) has received increasing attention for its potential health hazards to human and animals. However, to our knowledge, no study has explored the specific effects of bedroom nighttime light exposure on allostatic load (AL). To investigate the association between bedroom individual-level LAN exposure and AL among young adults, an integrative index manifests multiple system dysregulation. Using data from a cohort of 484 Chinese young adults aged 16-22 years. Bedroom light was objectively recorded at 1-min intervals for two nights using a portable illuminance meter. Fasting blood samples were collected at one-year follow-up for the detection of AL parameters. AL score was derived as sum of the top quartile of twelve physiological biomarkers in four systems: metabolic system (BMI, WC, TC, HDL, LDL, TG, HbA1c, INS, GLU); cardiovascular system (SBP, DBP); immune and inflammatory systems (hs-CRP), with HDL was lowest quartile. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between LAN intensity with AL score and separate AL parameters. The average age of subjects was 18.7 years, 64.3% were female. The mean AL score of LAN group (average LAN intensity ≥ 3lx) was significantly higher than Dim group (3.6 ± 2.6 vs. 2.7 ± 2.1; P = 0.007). For each 1 lx increase of LAN intensity was associated with 0.15-unit increase in AL score (95% CI: 0.06, 0.24; P = 0.001). Moreover, LAN group was associated with increased 1.01-unit in AL score (95% CI: 0.36-1.66; P = 0.003) compared to Dim group. Significant associations between bedroom LAN exposure with allostatic load and separate AL biomarkers were observed in our study. Keeping bedroom darkness at night may be a practicable option to reduce the wear of multiple body systems and improve human cardiometabolic health from early in life.

[Web search data as health data? : Geographic differences, temporal trends, and topics of interest from internet search engine analyses in Germany]

BACKGROUND

Limited timely, cost-effective, and regional availability of healthcare data is considered one of the limiting factors for timely analyses in the field of health services research and thus for healthcare delivery to the general population. Thus, Internet search engine analyses are coming into focus in this context.

OBJECTIVES

What contribution can data on the volume of Internet searches for various diseases make to the health care of the German population? Where is the potential and where are the limitations?

METHODS

A review of the current literature and a selective overview of Internet search engine analyses of dermatological, allergological, and infectious diseases published in the last 4 years in Germany were performed.

RESULTS

By analyzing web search data, temporal developments such as seasonality, months with the highest interest, and geographical differences can be mapped at the national, state (Bundesländer), and city level and major points of interest (e.g., skin cancer of the eye or anal itching) regarding a certain health topic can be identified. In addition, some studies were able to show correlations between search volume and external factors (e.g., temperature, care structure) and to registered cases (e.g., skin cancer, Lyme disease).

CONCLUSION

Web search data, given the limitations noted, are able to directly provide spatiotemporal mapping regarding the needs of the Internet-using population. They are particularly useful in situations where traditional health data are limited or unavailable.