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Exploring the use of web searches for risk communication during COVID-19 in Germany.
Kristensen, Kaja; Lorenz, Eva; May, Jürgen; Strauss, Ricardo.
  • Kristensen K; Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
  • Lorenz E; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.
  • May J; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.
  • Strauss R; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany. ricardo.strauss@bnitm.de.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 6419, 2021 03 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1142468
ABSTRACT
Risk communication during pandemics is an element of utmost importance. Understanding the level of public attention-a prerequisite for effective communication-implicates expensive and time-consuming surveys. We hypothesise that the relative search volume from Google Trends could be used as an indicator of public attention of a disease and its prevention measures. The search terms 'RKI' (Robert Koch Institute, national public health authority in Germany), 'corona' and 'protective mask' in German language were shortlisted. Cross-correlations between these terms and the reported cases from 15 February to 27 April were conducted for each German federal state. The findings were contrasted against a timeline of official communications concerning COVID-19. The highest correlations of the term 'RKI' with reported COVID-19 cases were found between lags of - 2 and - 12 days, meaning web searches were already performed from 2 to 12 days before case numbers increased. A similar pattern was seen for the term 'corona'. Cross-correlations indicated that most searches on 'protective mask' were performed from 6 to 12 days after the peak of cases. The results for the term 'protective mask' indicate a degree of confusion in the population. This is supported by conflicting recommendations to wear face masks during the first wave. The relative search volumes could be a useful tool to provide timely and location-specific information on public attention for risk communication.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Search Engine / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: Sci Rep Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S41598-021-85873-4

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Search Engine / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: Sci Rep Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S41598-021-85873-4