ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Developing an understanding of the social structure and phenomenon of pandemic information sources worldwide is immensely significant. OBJECTIVE: Based on the quadruple helix model, the aim of this study was to construct and analyze the structure and content of the internet information sources regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, considering time and space. The broader goal was to determine the status and limitations of web information transmission and online communication structure during public health emergencies. METHODS: By sorting the second top-level domain, we divided the structure of network information sources into four levels: government, educational organizations, companies, and nonprofit organizations. We analyzed the structure of information sources and the evolution of information content at each stage using quadruple helix and network analysis methods. RESULTS: The results of the structural analysis indicated that the online sources of information in Asia were more diverse than those in other regions in February 2020. As the pandemic spread in April, the information sources in non-Asian regions began to diversify, and the information source structure diversified further in July. With the spread of the pandemic, for an increasing number of countries, not only the government authorities of high concern but also commercial and educational organizations began to produce and provide significant amounts of information and advice. Nonprofit organizations also produced information, but to a lesser extent. The impact of the virus spread from the initial public level of the government to many levels within society. After April, the government's role in the COVID-19 network information was central. The results of the content analysis showed that there was an increased focus on discussion regarding public health-related campaign materials at all stages. The information content changed with the changing stages. In the early stages, the basic situation regarding the virus and its impact on health attracted most of the attention. Later, the content was more focused on prevention. The business and policy environment also changed from the beginning of the pandemic, and the social changes caused by the pandemic became a popular discussion topic. CONCLUSIONS: For public health emergencies, some online and offline information sources may not be sufficient. Diversified institutions must pay attention to public health emergencies and actively respond to multihelical information sources. In terms of published messages, the educational sector plays an important role in public health events. However, educational institutions release less information than governments and businesses. This study proposes that the quadruple helix not only has research significance in the field of scientific cooperation but could also be used to perform effective research regarding web information during crises. This is significant for further development of the quadruple helix model in the medical internet research area.