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Wei S, Ma M, Wen X, Wu C, Zhu G, Zhou X. Online Public Attention Toward Premature Ejaculation in Mainland China: Infodemiology Study Using the Baidu Index. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e30271. [PMID: 34435970 PMCID: PMC8430863 DOI: 10.2196/30271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most described psychosocial stress and sexual complaints worldwide. Previous investigations have focused predominantly on the prospective identification of cases that meet researchers' specific criteria. The genuine demand from patients with regard to information on PE and related issues may thus be neglected. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the online search trend and user demand related to PE on a national and regional scale using the dominant major search engine in mainland China. METHODS The Baidu Index was queried using the PE-related terms for the period of January 2011 to December 2020. The search volume for each term was recorded to analyze the search trend and demographic distributions. For user interest, the demand and trend data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Of the 36 available PE search keywords, 4 PE searching topics were identified. The Baidu Search Index for each PE topic varied from 46.30% (86,840,487/187,558,154) to 6.40% (12,009,307/187,558,154). The annual percent change (APC) for the complaint topic was 48.80% (P<.001) for 2011 to 2014 and -16.82% (P<.001) for 2014 to 2020. The APC for the inquiry topic was 16.21% (P=.41) for 2011 to 2014 and -11.00% (P<.001) for 2014 to 2020. For the prognosis topic, the annual APC was 11.18% (P<.001) for 2011 to 2017 and -19.86% (P<.001) for 2017 to 2020. For the treatment topic, the annual APC was 14.04% (P<.001) for 2011 to 2016 and -38.83% (P<.001) for 2016 to 2020. The age distribution of those searching for topics related to PE showed that the population aged 20 to 40 years comprised nearly 70% of the total search inquiries (second was 17.95% in the age group younger than 19 years). People from East China made over 50% of the total search queries. CONCLUSIONS The fluctuating online popularity of PE searches reflects the real-time population demands. It may help medical professionals better understand population interest, population concerns, regional variations, and gender differences on a nationwide scale and make disease-specific health care policies. The internet search data could be more reliable when the insufficient and lagging registry data are completed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanzun Wei
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Wen
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changjing Wu
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guonian Zhu
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangfu Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Male Sexual Health and Sexual Behaviors during the First National COVID-19 Lockdown in a Western Country: A Real-Life, Web-Based Study. SEXES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes2030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Restriction measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic had severe effects on male sexual and reproductive health. We aimed to investigate the real-life impact and perception of sexual function in 2020 in Italy, as the first Western country experiencing a national lockdown by measuring relative search volume for keywords pertaining to sexual health and behaviors provided by Google Trends and sales data for pro-erectile treatments. No significant change was observed for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Interest towards most phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors decreased significantly during lockdown (e.g., sildenafil, p = 0.0002; tadalafil p = 0.0016), then reverted to pre-lockdown levels (e.g., sildenafil, p < 0.0001; tadalafil p < 0.0001), mirroring a concomitant sales decrement (p = 0.0292). A subsequent recovery to previous levels at the end of the social confinement was also found (e.g., after vs. before lockdown, sildenafil, p = 0.8459; tadalafil p = 0.1166). During lockdown, interest towards pornography significantly increased during restrictions (p = 0.0053) and remained high (after vs. before lockdown, p = 0.0004), whereas interest towards paid and casual sex declined (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.049, respectively), then reverted to previous levels (after vs. before lockdown, p = 0.3969 and 0.8373, respectively). During the first Italian lockdown, we observed a transient but measurable decrease of sexual health-seeking behaviors and changes in sexual behaviors, with unknown impact for sexual medicine and public health.
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Internet search trends and online awareness of skin cancer and melanoma in the Republic of Ireland and the UK. Ir J Med Sci 2020; 190:643-645. [PMID: 32888167 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-020-02359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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4
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Trends in reported male sexual dysfunction over the past decade: an evolving landscape. Int J Impot Res 2020; 33:596-602. [PMID: 32612274 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-0324-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We investigated changes in patterns of reported male SDs at a single academic centre over a 10-year time frame. Comprehensive data of 2013 patients consecutively assessed for the first time by a single Sexual Medicine expert between 2006 and 2019 has been analysed. All patients were assessed with a thorough sexual and medical history. Primary reason for seeking medical help at first assessment was recorded for all patients and categorized as: erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), low/reduced sexual desire/interest (LSD/I), Peyronie's disease (PD), and other SDs. Linear and logistic regression models tested the association between different reasons for seeking medical help and the time at first evaluation. Local polynomial regression model explored the probability of reporting different SDs over the analysed time frame. Median (IQR) age at first clinical assessment was 50 (38-61) years. Overall, most patients were assessed for ED (824; 41%), followed by PD (369; 18%), PE (322; 16%), LSD/I (204; 10%) and other SDs (294; 15%). Significant changes in terms of reported SD over the analysed time frame were observed. The likelihood of assessing patients for ED significantly increased up to 2013, with a decrease in the past 5 years (p < 0.001). PE assessment at presentation linearly decreased over time (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.91-0.96; p < 0.001). Patients assessed during the past few years were more likely to report PD (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.15-1.25; p < 0.001) and LSD/I (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.16-1.26; p < 0.001), with a linear increase over the evaluated time frame. Likewise, patients were also more likely to report other SDs (Coeff: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.10; p = 0.004), with a linear increase over time. These results may reflect real changes in SD incidence, increased public awareness towards different SDs and the possible impact of novel treatments available on the market throughout the same time frame.
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Balasubramanian A, Yu J, Srivatsav A, Spitz A, Eisenberg ML, Thirumavalavan N, McBride JA, Lipshultz LI, Pastuszak AW. A review of the evolving landscape between the consumer Internet and men's health. Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:S123-S134. [PMID: 32257853 PMCID: PMC7108985 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.09.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Internet adoption continues to increase as broadband access and mobile connectivity penetrate developing global markets. Alongside increasing adoption, the Internet continues to evolve and usher in new modes of user interaction. Social media and search engines have facilitated the emergence of the participatory web, in which users are able to contribute content, form online communities, and disseminate information. This participatory web is reshaping the patient-physician relationship as patients are able to search for medical information, directly engage with healthcare practitioners through social media, and make therapeutic decisions via online marketplaces. The ability for patients to self-diagnose and self-treat is highly relevant to andrology, given that men have a baseline reluctance to visit healthcare providers. Furthermore, men's health issues such as erectile dysfunction and male infertility are stigmatized, with men turning to the Internet for guidance. The focus of this review is to survey the academic literature that evaluates the quality of online content for four common men's health conditions: hypogonadism, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and Peyronie's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin Yu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Aaron Spitz
- Department of Urology, University of California-Irvine, Orange County Urology Associates, Laguna Hills, CA, USA
| | - Michael L. Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nannan Thirumavalavan
- University Hospitals Urology Institute/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - J. Abram McBride
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Larry I. Lipshultz
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander W. Pastuszak
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Is Movember synonymous with moustaches or men's health? An examination of internet search activity for prostate and testicular cancer during the campaign. Ir J Med Sci 2019; 189:811-815. [DOI: 10.1007/s11845-019-02142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Consulting “Dr Google” for sexual dysfunction: a contemporary worldwide trend analysis. Int J Impot Res 2019; 32:455-461. [DOI: 10.1038/s41443-019-0203-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Capogrosso P, Ventimiglia E, Boeri L, Cazzaniga W, Chierigo F, Pederzoli F, Frego N, Abbate C, Dehò F, Montorsi F, Salonia A. Age at First Presentation for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Changes over a 12-yr Period. Eur Urol Focus 2019; 5:899-905. [DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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García-Cruz E, Romero-Otero J, Fode M, Alcaraz A. The digital environment in men's sexual disorders: A systematic review. Actas Urol Esp 2018; 42:365-374. [PMID: 29102483 DOI: 10.1016/j.acuro.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The revolution of digital technologies constitutes a new setting for the patient-physician relationship and provides patients with a scenario of privacy and universal access to a vast amount of information. However, there is little information on how digital resources are used and what their advantages and disadvantages are. OBJECTIVES To explore the scope of the scientific research on the use of digital technology related to men's sexual disorders and to analyze the primary sources of digital information related to this field. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE Systematic searches of the scientific literature, websites (10 first results in each google search) and mobile applications (apps). The searches combined the keywords "web" and "app" with "erectile dysfunction", "premature ejaculation", "Peyronie", "male hypogonadism", and "infertility". Websites and apps were assessed for quality according to predefined indicators. SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE The qualitative analysis of the scientific literature included 116 manuscripts; 47% were clinical studies based on online survey, 9% dealt with digital treatments, 11% with quality/safety of digital healthcare environment, 3% with digital activity, 21% with patient empowerment, and 9% with online drug selling. Of 50 websites assessed for quality, 29 (58%) scored 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert scale. The app search yielded 40 apps; only 3 of them (8%) reported the identity of a health center or healthcare professional involved. CONCLUSIONS Patients and healthcare professionals may benefit from digital resources related to men's sexual disorders; however, a strong commitment by the scientific and healthcare community is essential to increase the quality of these resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- E García-Cruz
- Departmento de Urología, Hospital Plató, Barcelona, España; Departmento de Urología, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; European Association of Urology's Young Academic Urologist's, Men's Health Group member.
| | - J Romero-Otero
- Departmento de Urología, Hospital Universitario 12 de octubre, Madrid, España
| | - M Fode
- Department of Urology, Roskilde Hospital, Roskilde, Dinamarca; Department of Urology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Dinamarca
| | - A Alcaraz
- Departmento de Urología, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
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Ling R, Lee J. Disease Monitoring and Health Campaign Evaluation Using Google Search Activities for HIV and AIDS, Stroke, Colorectal Cancer, and Marijuana Use in Canada: A Retrospective Observational Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2016; 2:e156. [PMID: 27733330 PMCID: PMC5081479 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.6504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infodemiology can offer practical and feasible health research applications through the practice of studying information available on the Web. Google Trends provides publicly accessible information regarding search behaviors in a population, which may be studied and used for health campaign evaluation and disease monitoring. Additional studies examining the use and effectiveness of Google Trends for these purposes remain warranted. Objective The objective of our study was to explore the use of infodemiology in the context of health campaign evaluation and chronic disease monitoring. It was hypothesized that following a launch of a campaign, there would be an increase in information seeking behavior on the Web. Second, increasing and decreasing disease patterns in a population would be associated with search activity patterns. This study examined 4 different diseases: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, stroke, colorectal cancer, and marijuana use. Methods Using Google Trends, relative search volume data were collected throughout the period of February 2004 to January 2015. Campaign information and disease statistics were obtained from governmental publications. Search activity trends were graphed and assessed with disease trends and the campaign interval. Pearson product correlation statistics and joinpoint methodology analyses were used to determine significance. Results Disease patterns and online activity across all 4 diseases were significantly correlated: HIV infection (r=.36, P<.001), stroke (r=.40, P<.001), colorectal cancer (r= −.41, P<.001), and substance use (r=.64, P<.001). Visual inspection and the joinpoint analysis showed significant correlations for the campaigns on colorectal cancer and marijuana use in stimulating search activity. No significant correlations were observed for the campaigns on stroke and HIV regarding search activity. Conclusions The use of infoveillance shows promise as an alternative and inexpensive solution to disease surveillance and health campaign evaluation. Further research is needed to understand Google Trends as a valid and reliable tool for health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ling
- School of Public Health and Health SystemsFaculty of Applied Health SciencesUniversity of WaterlooWaterloo, ONCanada
| | - Joon Lee
- School of Public Health and Health SystemsFaculty of Applied Health SciencesUniversity of WaterlooWaterloo, ONCanada
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11
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Stone BV, Forde JC, Levit VB, Lee RK, Te AE, Chughtai B. Trends in internet search activity, media coverage, and patient-centered health information after the FDA safety communications on surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse. Int Urogynecol J 2016; 27:1761-1766. [PMID: 27209310 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-016-3040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In July 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication regarding serious complications associated with surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse, prompting increased media and public attention. This study sought to analyze internet search activity and news article volume after this FDA warning and to evaluate the quality of websites providing patient-centered information. METHODS Google Trends™ was utilized to evaluate search engine trends for the term "pelvic organ prolapse" and associated terms between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2014. Google News™ was utilized to quantify the number of news articles annually under the term "pelvic organ prolapse." The search results for the term "pelvic organ prolapse" were assessed for quality using the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) certification. RESULTS There was a significant increase in search activity from 37.42 in 2010 to 57.75 in 2011, at the time of the FDA communication (p = 0.021). No other annual interval had a statistically significant increase in search activity. The single highest monthly search activity, given the value of 100, was August 2011, immediately following the July 2011 notification, with the next highest value being 98 in July 2011. Linear regression analysis of news articles per year since the FDA communication revealed r2 = 0.88, with a coefficient of 186. Quality assessment demonstrated that 42 % of websites were HON-certified, with .gov sites providing the highest quality information. CONCLUSIONS Although the 2011 FDA safety communication on surgical mesh was associated with increased public and media attention, the quality of relevant health information on the internet remains of poor quality. Future quality assurance measures may be critical in enabling patients to play active roles in their own healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin V Stone
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 425 E 61st Street, 12th floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - James C Forde
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 425 E 61st Street, 12th floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Valerie B Levit
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 425 E 61st Street, 12th floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Richard K Lee
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 425 E 61st Street, 12th floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Alexis E Te
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 425 E 61st Street, 12th floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Bilal Chughtai
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 425 E 61st Street, 12th floor, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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12
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Ayers JW, Westmaas JL, Leas EC, Benton A, Chen Y, Dredze M, Althouse BM. Leveraging Big Data to Improve Health Awareness Campaigns: A Novel Evaluation of the Great American Smokeout. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2016; 2:e16. [PMID: 27227151 PMCID: PMC4869240 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.5304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Awareness campaigns are ubiquitous, but little is known about their potential effectiveness because traditional evaluations are often unfeasible. For 40 years, the “Great American Smokeout” (GASO) has encouraged media coverage and popular engagement with smoking cessation on the third Thursday of November as the nation’s longest running awareness campaign. Objective We proposed a novel evaluation framework for assessing awareness campaigns using the GASO as a case study by observing cessation-related news reports and Twitter postings, and cessation-related help seeking via Google, Wikipedia, and government-sponsored quitlines. Methods Time trends (2009-2014) were analyzed using a quasi-experimental design to isolate spikes during the GASO by comparing observed outcomes on the GASO day with the simulated counterfactual had the GASO not occurred. Results Cessation-related news typically increased by 61% (95% CI 35-87) and tweets by 13% (95% CI −21 to 48) during the GASO compared with what was expected had the GASO not occurred. Cessation-related Google searches increased by 25% (95% CI 10-40), Wikipedia page visits by 22% (95% CI −26 to 67), and quitline calls by 42% (95% CI 19-64). Cessation-related news media positively coincided with cessation tweets, Internet searches, and Wikipedia visits; for example, a 50% increase in news for any year predicted a 28% (95% CI −2 to 59) increase in tweets for the same year. Increases on the day of the GASO rivaled about two-thirds of a typical New Year’s Day—the day that is assumed to see the greatest increases in cessation-related activity. In practical terms, there were about 61,000 more instances of help seeking on Google, Wikipedia, or quitlines on GASO each year than would normally be expected. Conclusions These findings provide actionable intelligence to improve the GASO and model how to rapidly, cost-effectively, and efficiently evaluate hundreds of awareness campaigns, nearly all for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Ayers
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University Chula Vista, CA United States
| | - J Lee Westmaas
- American Cancer Society Behavioral Research Center Atlanta, GA United States
| | - Eric C Leas
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine La Jolla, CA United States
| | - Adrian Benton
- Human Language Technology Center of Excellence Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD United States
| | - Yunqi Chen
- Bryn Mawr College Bryn Mawr College Philadelphia, PA United States
| | - Mark Dredze
- Human Language Technology Center of Excellence Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD United States
| | - Benjamin M Althouse
- Santa Fe InstituteSanta Fe, NMUnited States; New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces, NMUnited States
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Davis NF, Gnanappiragasam S, Thornhill JA. Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: the influence of modern diagnostic criteria on epidemiology and on Internet search activity by the public. Transl Androl Urol 2016; 4:506-11. [PMID: 26816850 PMCID: PMC4708563 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2015.06.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a chronic debilitating condition that is characterised by suprapubic pain and urinary symptoms such as urgency, nocturia and urinary frequency. The prevalence of the condition is increasing due to more inclusive diagnostic criteria. Herein, we review the evolving epidemiology of IC/PBS and investigate health seeking behaviour for the condition through Internet search activity. Study selection was performed in accordance with PRISMA. In addition, global search trends for the terms ‘Interstitial Cystitis’ and ‘Painful Bladder Syndrome’ from 2005 to 2015 were also evaluated using the ‘Google Trends’ search application. The mean search activity per month was recorded and mean activity at annual intervals calculated. Regional search activity by country and city was also measured. Prevalence rates for IC/PBS vary according to diagnostic criteria and range from 2% to 17.3% among the general population. Increased prevalence is associated with female gender and females with one first-degree relative affected. There has been an increase in global mean search activity for IC/PBS on an annual basis since 2005. The greatest increase in search activity was in USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and India respectively. The top five cities for search activity for IC/PBS were in the USA. As diagnostic criteria for IC/PBS continues to become more inclusive it is likely that the prevalence will continue to increase. This is particularly true for the USA and Canada as these regions have demonstrated the greatest increase in Internet search activity for IC/ PBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall F Davis
- Department of Urology, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Murray G, O'Rourke C, Hogan J, Fenton JE. Detecting internet search activity for mouth cancer in Ireland. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2016; 54:163-5. [PMID: 26774361 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day in Ireland was launched in September 2010 by survivors of the disease to promote public awareness of suspicious signs of oral cancer and to provide free dental examinations. To find out whether its introduction had increased public interest in the disease, we used Google Trends to find out how often users in Ireland had searched for "oral cancer" and "mouth cancer" across all Google domains between January 2005 and December 2013. The number of internet searches for these cancers has increased significantly (p <0.001) and has peaked each September since the awareness day was launched in 2010. More people searched for "mouth cancer" than for "oral cancer". These findings may have valuable clinical implications, as an increase in public awareness of mouth cancer could result in earlier presentation and better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Murray
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick
| | - C O'Rourke
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick; Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland.
| | - J Hogan
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick
| | - J E Fenton
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick; Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
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Nuti SV, Wayda B, Ranasinghe I, Wang S, Dreyer RP, Chen SI, Murugiah K. The use of google trends in health care research: a systematic review. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109583. [PMID: 25337815 PMCID: PMC4215636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 534] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Google Trends is a novel, freely accessible tool that allows users to interact with Internet search data, which may provide deep insights into population behavior and health-related phenomena. However, there is limited knowledge about its potential uses and limitations. We therefore systematically reviewed health care literature using Google Trends to classify articles by topic and study aim; evaluate the methodology and validation of the tool; and address limitations for its use in research. METHODS AND FINDINGS PRISMA guidelines were followed. Two independent reviewers systematically identified studies utilizing Google Trends for health care research from MEDLINE and PubMed. Seventy studies met our inclusion criteria. Google Trends publications increased seven-fold from 2009 to 2013. Studies were classified into four topic domains: infectious disease (27% of articles), mental health and substance use (24%), other non-communicable diseases (16%), and general population behavior (33%). By use, 27% of articles utilized Google Trends for casual inference, 39% for description, and 34% for surveillance. Among surveillance studies, 92% were validated against a reference standard data source, and 80% of studies using correlation had a correlation statistic ≥0.70. Overall, 67% of articles provided a rationale for their search input. However, only 7% of articles were reproducible based on complete documentation of search strategy. We present a checklist to facilitate appropriate methodological documentation for future studies. A limitation of the study is the challenge of classifying heterogeneous studies utilizing a novel data source. CONCLUSION Google Trends is being used to study health phenomena in a variety of topic domains in myriad ways. However, poor documentation of methods precludes the reproducibility of the findings. Such documentation would enable other researchers to determine the consistency of results provided by Google Trends for a well-specified query over time. Furthermore, greater transparency can improve its reliability as a research tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhakar V. Nuti
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Brian Wayda
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Isuru Ranasinghe
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sisi Wang
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Rachel P. Dreyer
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Serene I. Chen
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Karthik Murugiah
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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16
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Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: epidemiology, pathophysiology and evidence-based treatment options. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 175:30-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Brito LG, Ferriani RA, Candido-dos-Reis FJ, Nogueira AA. Using a search-volume tool (Google Trends) to assess global interest for uterine fibroids. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 289:1163-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-014-3207-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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18
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Davis NF, Breslin N, Creagh T. Using Google Trends to assess global interest in 'Dysport®' for the treatment of overactive bladder. Urology 2013; 82:1189. [PMID: 24246234 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2013.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N F Davis
- Department of Urology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Infodemiology and infoveillance of multiple sclerosis in Italy. Mult Scler Int 2013; 2013:924029. [PMID: 24027636 PMCID: PMC3762202 DOI: 10.1155/2013/924029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 06/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating disease of probable autoimmune inflammatory nature, whose aetiology is not fully understood, despite the many efforts and investigations. In this manuscript, we review the concept of “Multiple Sclerosis 2.0”, that is to say the Internet usage by MS patients, for seeking health and disease-related material for self-care and self-management purposes, and we introduce a Google Trends-based approach for monitoring MS-related Google queries and searches, called MS infodemiology and infoveillance. Google Trends has already proven to be reliable for infectious diseases monitoring, and here we extend its application and potentiality in the field of neurological disorders.
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