Online Information-Seeking Behavior for Allergies and its Association with COVID-19 Vaccine-Hesitancy in India: An Info-Epidemiologic Study.
Indian J Dermatol
; 67(1): 92, 2022.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1810663
ABSTRACT
Background:
Vaccine-hesitancy is an important obstacle to attain herd-immunity against COVID-19. Undue fears about adverse effects like allergic reactions may be an important reason for vaccine-hesitancy.Objectives:
To assess the online information-seeking behavior of Indian internet users regarding 'allergies' and determine its association with COVID-19 vaccine-hesitancy.Methods:
We conducted a Google trend analysis to obtain the relative search volume (RSV) for keywords-'skin allergy,' 'drug allergy,' 'food allergy,' 'vaccine allergy,' 'contact dermatitis,' and 'allergy' using a public domain https//trends.google.com/trends. We further obtained state-wise data and statistically analyzed it to assess any association with vaccine-hesitancy.Results:
Higher RSV was found for 'vaccine allergy' after the advent of COVID-19 vaccines, showing the steepest peak. 'Skin allergy' showed two peaks. The first peak was after the advent of COVID-19 pandemic and second peak was after introduction of vaccines. RSV of 'contact dermatitis' remained unchanged. Eastern and North-Eastern states showed the highest RSV for 'skin' and 'vaccine' allergies. Literacy rate showed a significant positive correlation with vaccination, whereas vaccine-hesitancy was inversely proportional to RSV for 'allergy.Conclusion:
Increased online information-seeking behavior is demonstrated by Indians regarding various 'allergies,' particularly after the advent of COVID-19 vaccines. Literacy was directly proportional to vaccination status, whereas vaccine-hesitancy was inversely proportional to search-volume for 'allergy.'
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Observational study
Topics:
Vaccines
Language:
English
Journal:
Indian J Dermatol
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijd.ijd_593_21
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