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The association between COVID-19 cases and deaths and web-based public inquiries.
Schnoell, Julia; Besser, Gerold; Jank, Bernhard J; Bartosik, Tina J; Parzefall, Thomas; Riss, Dominik; Mueller, Christian A; Liu, David Tianxiang.
  • Schnoell J; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
  • Besser G; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
  • Jank BJ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
  • Bartosik TJ; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
  • Parzefall T; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
  • Riss D; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
  • Mueller CA; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
  • Liu DT; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Infect Dis (Lond) ; 53(3): 176-183, 2021 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1066206
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in December 2019 and rapidly spread globally. Since there is still no specific treatment available, prevention of disease spread is crucial to manage the pandemic. Adequate public information is very important. To assess the optimal timing, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between web-based interest and new cases and deaths due to COVID-19.

METHODS:

Web-based interest for queries related to 'coronavirus' was assessed between 1 January and 19 June 2020, using Google Trends in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Reliability analysis of the used search terms was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. To investigate the association between web-based interest and new COVID-19 cases or deaths, the relative search volume was analysed for correlation with new cases and deaths.

RESULTS:

Reliability analysis revealed excellent reliability for COVID-19 search terms in all countries. Web-based interest peaked between 23 February and 5 April 2020, which was prior to the peak of new infections and deaths in most included countries. There was a moderate to strong correlation between COVID-19 related queries and new cases or new deaths.

CONCLUSION:

Web-based interest in COVID-19 peaked prior to the peak of new infections and deaths in most countries included. Thus, monitoring public interest via Google Trends might be useful to select the optimal-timing of web-based disease-specific information and preventive measures.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Internet / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa / North America / South America / Asia / Brazil / Europa / Oceania Language: English Journal: Infect Dis (Lond) Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 23744235.2020.1856406

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Internet / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Africa / North America / South America / Asia / Brazil / Europa / Oceania Language: English Journal: Infect Dis (Lond) Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 23744235.2020.1856406