What is infodemiology? An overview and its role in public health. / Czym jest infodemiologia? Przeglad i rola w zdrowiu publicznym.

The exponential increase in internet use and the consequent surge in data generation present both opportunities and challenges for public health. Infodemiology, an emerging field at the intersection of information science and public health, seeks to harness the vast amounts of health-related data generated online for public health benefits. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of infodemiology, examining its development, methodologies, and potential to address public health challenges. We discuss the role of infodemiology in identifying and mitigating the spread of misinformation, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the dangers of the "infodemic" - an overabundance of information, both accurate and not, that complicates public health responses. Through both demand and supply-based studies, infodemiology offers unique insights into health trends, misinformation dynamics, and the digital behaviors of health information seekers. Tools such as sentiment analysis are highlighted as essential in navigating the vast digital landscape for real-time health data analysis. Despite the potential of infodemiology, challenges such as data overload or misinformation. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the development of advanced analytical tools, and the need for guidelines to maximize the field's impact on public health policy and practice.

Escabiosis en España: tendencias del interés público y consumo de ectoparasiticidas / Scabies in Spain: Trends in Public Interest and Ectoparasiticide Use

La escabiosis es una dermatosis ectoparasitaria causada por Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis y cuyo reservorio son los humanos. En los últimos años se ha visto un incremento de los casos de escabiosis en nuestro país. El objetivo de este trabajo es complementar la evidencia existente sobre el aumento de la escabiosis en España mediante el estudio de la evolución del consumo de medicamentos ectoparasiticidas y el análisis temporal en Google Trends de las búsquedas en internet relacionadas con la infestación, así como explorar la relación entre ambos fenómenos. Nuestro estudio demuestra un incremento del interés público en la escabiosis y del consumo de ectoparasiticidas en los últimos años en España, existiendo una correlación positiva y significativa entre ambos fenómenos. Proponemos Google Trends como una herramienta complementaria a tener en cuenta a la hora de monitorizar en tiempo real el comportamiento de esta infestación en nuestro país (AU)

Scabies is an ectoparasitic dermatosis caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite, which lives and reproduces in humans. Its incidence in Spain has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to complement existing evidence on the increasing number of scabies cases in our country by analyzing changes in ectoparasiticide prescriptions and Internet searches for scabies infestations measured by Google Trends. We also examined correlations between these two variables. Our results show that public interest in scabies has increased in recent years and is positively and significantly correlated with an increasing use of ectoparasiticides. We believe that Google Trends should be considered as a complementary tool for monitoring real-time trends in scabies infestations in Spain (AU)

[Translated article] Scabies in Spain: Trends in Public Interest and Ectoparasiticide Use / Escabiosis en España: tendencias del interés público y consumo de ectoparasiticidas

Scabies is an ectoparasitic dermatosis caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite, which lives and reproduces in humans. Its incidence in Spain has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to complement existing evidence on the increasing number of scabies cases in our country by analyzing changes in ectoparasiticide prescriptions and Internet searches for scabies infestations measured by Google Trends. We also examined correlations between these two variables. Our results show that public interest in scabies has increased in recent years and is positively and significantly correlated with an increasing use of ectoparasiticides. We believe that Google Trends should be considered as a complementary tool for monitoring real-time trends in scabies infestations in Spain (AU)

La escabiosis es una dermatosis ectoparasitaria causada por Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis y cuyo reservorio son los humanos. En los últimos años se ha visto un incremento de los casos de escabiosis en nuestro país. El objetivo de este trabajo es complementar la evidencia existente sobre el aumento de la escabiosis en España mediante el estudio de la evolución del consumo de medicamentos ectoparasiticidas y el análisis temporal en Google Trends de las búsquedas en internet relacionadas con la infestación, así como explorar la relación entre ambos fenómenos. Nuestro estudio demuestra un incremento del interés público en la escabiosis y del consumo de ectoparasiticidas en los últimos años en España, existiendo una correlación positiva y significativa entre ambos fenómenos. Proponemos Google Trends como una herramienta complementaria a tener en cuenta a la hora de monitorizar en tiempo real el comportamiento de esta infestación en nuestro país (AU)

Scabies in Spain: Trends in Public Interest and Ectoparasiticide Use. / Escabiosis en España: tendencias del interés público y consumo de ectoparasiticidas.

Scabies is an ectoparasitic dermatosis caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite, which lives and reproduces in humans. Its incidence in Spain has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to complement existing evidence on the increasing number of scabies cases in our country by analyzing changes in ectoparasiticide prescriptions and Internet searches for scabies infestations measured by Google Trends. We also examined correlations between these two variables. Our results show that public interest in scabies has increased in recent years and is positively and significantly correlated with an increasing use of ectoparasiticides. We believe that Google Trends should be considered as a complementary tool for monitoring real-time trends in scabies infestations in Spain.

[Translated article] Scabies in Spain: Trends in Public Interest and Ectoparasiticide Use.

Scabies is an ectoparasitic dermatosis caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite, which lives and reproduces in humans. Its incidence in Spain has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to complement existing evidence on the increasing number of scabies cases in our country by analyzing changes in ectoparasiticide prescriptions and Internet searches for scabies infestations measured by Google Trends. We also examined correlations between these two variables. Our results show that public interest in scabies has increased in recent years and is positively and significantly correlated with an increasing use of ectoparasiticides. We believe that Google Trends should be considered as a complementary tool for monitoring real-time trends in scabies infestations in Spain.

Trends and seasonality of information searches, carried out through Google, on metabolic syndrome and occupational health: infodemiological study

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar y relacionar el interés de la población, a través de tendencias de búsqueda de información, sobre el Síndrome Metabólico (MS) con la Salud Laboral (OH).Método: Estudio ecológico y correlacional del Volumen Relativo de Búsqueda (RSV) obtenido de la consulta de Google Trends, segmentado en 3 períodos buscados relacionados con la antigüedad; fecha de consulta: 30 de sep-tiembre de 2023.Resultados: La media más baja del RSV fue para el tema MS (2,23 ± 0,87), aunque hubo una correlación positiva en el RSV entre MS y OH (R = 0,56; p < 0,05). Se observó asociación (p < 0,05) entre los 3 períodos estudiados, excepto para los temas Hipertensión y Obesidad Central, pero significativamente menor en el período actual para los Temas MS y OH. Se encontró una estacionalidad moderada en el tema MS (KPSS = 0,14; p > 0,05), y se demostraron diferen-cias significativas en la búsqueda de información entre países desarrollados y no desarrollados (p > 0,05).Conclusiones: A través de sus búsquedas de información, toda la población demostró tener un menor conocimien-to sobre la MS que sobre las enfermedades que la componen. Se encontró relación entre las búsquedas de infor-mación realizadas sobre MS y OH. El estudio de las tendencias de búsqueda de información puede proporcionar información útil sobre el interés de la población por los datos de enfermedades, así como permitiría gradualmente analizar diferencias en popularidad, o interés incluso entre distintos países. (AU)

Objective: This study aimed to analyse and relate the population interest through information search trends, on Metabolic Syndrome (MS) with the Occupational Health (OH).Method: Ecological and correlational study of the Relative Search Volume (RSV) obtained from Google Trends que-ry, segmented into 3 searched periods concerning antiquity; date of query: September 30, 2023.Results: The lowest mean of the RSV was for the MS Topic (2.23 ± 0.87), albeit there was a positive correlation in the RSV amid MS and OH (R = 0.56; p < 0.05). Association (p < 0.05) was observed between the 3 periods under study, except for the Hypertension and Central Obesity topics, but significantly lower in the current period for the MS and OH Topics. Moderate seasonality was found in the MS topic (KPSS = 0.14; p > 0.05), and significant differences were demonstrated in the information search between developed and undeveloped countries (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Through their information searches, the whole population showed to have a dearth of knowledge of MS than of its component diseases. A relationship was found between the information searches carried out on MS and OH. The study of information search trends may provide useful information on the population’s interest in the disease data, as well as would gradually allow the analysis of differences in popularity, or interest even between different countries. (AU)

Infodemiologia sobre protocolos de automonitoramento da glicemia capilar na internet brasileira / Infodemiology on capillary blood glucose self-monitoring protocols on the Brazilian internet

A Automonitoramento da Glicemia Capilar (AMGC) é importante ferramenta no controle da glicemia e no manejo do Diabetes mellitus (DM) e os protocolos de dispensação de insumos são orientados por diretrizes de tratamento e regulamentações específicas. O objetivo desse estudo infodemiológico foi analisar as publicações na internet brasileira sobre protocolos AMGC por Secretarias Municipais e/ou Estaduais de saúde disponíveis em websites brasileiros. Para a busca foi utilizada a ferramenta Google e identificadas 286 URL. A pesquisa identificou 23 protocolos disponíveis em sites governamentais, revelando sendo que 10 (43,47%) são da região Sudeste, todos os protocolos definiram o diagnóstico de Diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 1, DM tipo 2 em uso de insulina e DM gestacional (DMG), em 11 protocolos (47.8%) o fornecimento mensal de tiras de glicemia capilar é realizado pela farmácia e a quantidade variou de 30 até 120 tiras conforme o tipo de diabetes e uso de insulina. Os protocolos analisados enfatizam a importância da educação em DM, com 60,8% deles incorporando programas educacionais. Apesar da dinamicidade da informação na internet ressaltase a necessidade de transparência nos critérios de inclusão e manutenção do fornecimento das TGC, qualificando o cuidado ao paciente com DM. A elaboração e divulgação de protocolos fortalecem a transparência do SUS, auxiliam na organização dos fluxos de documentos entre os profissionais envolvidos e o acesso equitativo aos insumos.

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) is an important tool in controlling blood glucose and managing Diabetes mellitus (DM) and input dispensing protocols are guided by treatment guidelines and specific regulations. The objective of this infodemiological study was to analyze publications on the Brazilian internet about SMBG protocols by Municipal and/or State Health Departments available on Brazilian websites. For the search, the Google tool was used and 286 URLs were identified. The research identified 23 protocols available on government websites, revealing that 10 (43.47%) are from the Southeast region, all protocols defined the diagnosis of Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1, type 2 DM using insulin and gestational DM (GDM), in 11 protocols (47.8%) the monthly supply of capillary blood glucose test strips is provided by the pharmacy and the quantity varies from 30 to 120 strips depending on the type of diabetes and insulin use. The protocols analyzed emphasize the importance of DM education, with 60.8% of them incorporating educational programs. Despite the dynamics of information on the internet, the need for transparency in the inclusion criteria and maintenance of the supply of BGTS is highlighted, qualifying care for patients with DM. The development and dissemination of protocols strengthens the transparency of the SUS, assists in the organization of document flows between the professionals involved and equitable access to inputs.

Tendencias temporales de los patrones de búsqueda sobre Servicios de Atención de Salud a Domicilio antes y después del COVID-19 / Temporal trends in Home Care Services search patterns before and after COVID-19

Objetivo: Analizar las tendencias temporales de los patrones de búsqueda de información, sobre los Servicios de Atención de Salud a Domicilio a través de Google Trends antes y después de la aparición del COVID-19. Método: Estudio ecológico y correlacional. Los datos se obtuvieron de la consulta directa en la herramienta «Google Trends». Término de búsqueda: “Servicio de asistencia sanitaria domiciliaria”. Fecha de consulta 01-09-2021. Resultados: El máximo de búsquedas se alcanzó en enero de 2020, coincidiendo con el inicio de la pandemia del COVID-19. Durante el período pre-COVID se observó una estacionalidad en el interés de la población (ADF: - 0.49; *p > 0.05) que desapareció con la irrupción del COVID-19 (ADF: -8.55; p < 0.05). La comparación de las medianas mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas antes y después del COVID (KW: 31.15; *** p-valor < 0.001). Conclusiones: Se ha demostrado que la aparición del COVID-19 ha supuesto un hito significativo respecto al interés de la población general sobre los Servicios de Atención de Salud a Domicilio.(AU)

Objetive: To analyze the temporal trends of the information search patterns on Home Care Services through Google Trends before and after the appearance of COVID-19. Method: Ecological and correlational study. The data were obtained from direct queries in the «Google Trends» tool. Search term: “Home Care Services.” Date of consultation 01-09-2021. Results: The maximum number of searches was reached in January 2020, coinciding with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pre-COVID period, a seasonality was observed in the interest of the population (ADF: - 0.49; * p> 0.05) that disappeared with the emergence of COVID-19 (ADF: -8.55; p < 0.05). The compari-son of the medians showed statistically significant differences before and after COVID (KW: 31.15; *** p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: It has been shown that the appearance of COVID-19 has been a significant milestone regarding the general population’s interest in Home Care Services.(AU)

Repercussões da infodemia associada ao COVID-19 na saúde mental do idoso no Brasil / Repercusiones de la infodemia asociada al COVID-19 en la salud mental de los ancianos en Brasil / Repercussions of infodemia associated with COVID-19 on the mental health of the elderly in Brazil

O fenômeno denominado infodemia refere-se ao aumento do volume informacional sobre um tema em específico, que se multiplica rapidamente em um curto período de tempo, e tem-se destacado frente ao contexto da crise sanitária desencadeada pela pandemia de COVID-19. O excesso de informações pode suscitar sentimentos de medo, ansiedade, estresse e outras condições de sofrimento mental. O estudo tem como objetivo descrever o perfil de exposição a informações sobre COVID-19 e suas repercussões na saúde mental de idosos brasileiros. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 1924 idosos brasileiros. Coletaram-se dados por meio de web-based survey enviada aos idosos por redes sociais e e-mail, no período de julho a outubro de 2020. Os resultados da análise descritiva dos dados demonstram que a maioria dos idosos apresentou idade entre 60 e 69 anos (69,02por cento), é do sexo feminino (71,26por cento), casados (53,79 por cento) e de cor branca (75,57por cento). Cerca de 21,67por cento (n = 417) concluíram a graduação, 19,75por cento (380) concluíram especialização e 16,63por cento (320) concluíram mestrado ou doutorado. Foram reportados como fontes frequentes de exposição às notícias ou informações sobre a COVID-19, a televisão 862 (44,80por cento) e as redes sociais 651 (33,84por cento). Os participantes assinalaram que a televisão (46,47por cento; n = 872), as redes sociais (30,81por cento; n = 575) e o rádio (14,48por cento; 251) os afetavam psicológica e/ou fisicamente. Receber notícias falsas sobre a COVID-19 pela televisão (n = 482; 19,8por cento) e pelas redes sociais (n = 415; 21,5por cento) repercutiu, principalmente, estresse e medo. As informações disseminadas contribuem para conscientização, mas, também, afetam física e/ou psicologicamente muitos idosos, principalmente gerando medo e estresse(AU)

El fenómeno denominado infodemia hace referencia al aumento del volumen de información sobre un tema específico, que se multiplica rápidamente en un corto período, y ha destacado en el contexto de la crisis sanitaria desencadenada por la pandemia de la COVID-19. Demasiada información puede desencadenar sentimientos de miedo, ansiedad, estrés y otras condiciones de angustia mental. El estudio tiene como objetivo describir el perfil de exposición a la información sobre la COVID-19 y sus repercusiones en la salud mental de los ancianos brasileños. Se trata de un estudio transversal realizado con 1924 ancianos brasileños. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de una encuesta web enviada a los ancianos a través de redes sociales y correo electrónico, de julio a octubre de 2020. Los resultados del análisis descriptivo de los datos muestran que la mayoría de los ancianos tenían entre 60 y 69 años (69,02 por ciento), mujer (71,26 por ciento), casada (53,79 por ciento) y blanca (75,57 por ciento). El 21,67 por ciento (n = 417) concluyó su graduación, el 19,75 por ciento (380) concluyó especialización y el 16,63 por ciento (320) concluyó maestría o doctorado. La televisión 862 (44,80 por ciento) y las redes sociales 651 (33,84 por ciento) se reportaron como fuentes frecuentes de exposición a noticias o información sobre el COVID-19. Los participantes indicaron que la televisión (46,47 por ciento; n = 872), las redes sociales (30,81 por ciento; n = 575) y la radio (14,48 por ciento; 251) les afectaban psicológica y/o físicamente. Recibir noticias falsas sobre el COVID-19 en la televisión (n = 482; 19,8 por ciento) y en las redes sociales (n = 415; 21,5 por ciento) resultó principalmente en estrés y miedo. La información difundida contribuye a la sensibilización, pero también afecta física y/o psicológicamente a muchas personas mayores, generando principalmente miedo y estrés(AU)

The phenomenon called infodemia refers to the increase in the volume of information on a specific topic, which multiplies rapidly in a short period of time, and has stood out in the context of the health crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Too much information can trigger feelings of fear, anxiety, stress, and other conditions of mental distress. The study aims to describe the profile of exposure to information about COVID-19 and its repercussions on the mental health of elderly Brazilians. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 1924 elderly Brazilians. Data were collected through a web-based survey sent to the elderly via social networks and email, from July to October 2020. The results of the descriptive analysis of the data show that most of the elderly were aged between 60 and 69 years (69.02percent), female (71.26percent), married (53.79percent) and white (75.57percent). About 21.67percent (n = 417) concluded their graduation, 19.75percent (380) concluded their specialization and 16.63percent (320) concluded their master's or doctoral degrees. Television 862 (44.80percent) and social networks 651 (33.84percent) were reported as frequent sources of exposure to news or information about COVID-19. Participants indicated that television (46.47percent; n = 872), social networks (30.81percent; n = 575) and radio (14.48percent; 251) affected them psychologically and/or physically. Receiving fake news about COVID-19 on television (n = 482; 19.8percent) and on social media (n = 415; 21.5percent) mainly resulted in stress and fear. The disseminated information contributes to awareness, but also affects physically and/or psychologically many elderly people, mainly generating fear and stress(AU)

Infodemia: uma ameaça à saúde pública global durante e após a pandemia de Covid-19 / Infodemic: a threat to global public health during and after the Covid-19 pandemic / Infodemia: una amenaza para la salud pública global durante y después de la pandemia de Covid-19

A escalada da infodemia durante a pandemia de Covid-19 se deu, em muito, pelo boom das mídias sociais, que hoje fazem parte da vida de bilhões de pessoas pelo mundo. A comunidade internacional está se mobilizando para abordar e controlar este fenômeno que tomou dimensões inéditas em nossa sociedade. A enxurrada de desinformação está dificultando que fontes idôneas e orientações baseadas em evidências sejam encontradas pelas pessoas que buscam informação e mina a resposta à Covid-19. Com o novo normal, surgem novas formas de comunicar riscos e novos desafios a enfrentar.

The rise of infodemic during the Covid-19 pandemic occurred largely due to the social media boom, which today is part of the life of billions of people around the world. The international community is mobilizing to cope with and control this phenomenon that has taken unprecedented dimensions in our society. The great flow of misinformation is making difficult for people seeking information to find suitable sources and evidence-based guidance and it is also undermining the response to Covid-19. The new normal brings new ways of communicating risks and new challenges to face.

La escalada de la infodemia durante la pandemia de Covid-19 ocurrió en gran medida debido al boom de las redes sociales, que actualmente hacen parte de la vida de billones de personas en todo el mundo. La comunidad internacional se está movilizando para abordar y controlar este fenómeno que ha adquirido dimensiones sin precedentes en nuestra sociedad. La avalancha de desinformación dificulta que las personas que buscan información encuentren fuentes confiables y orientaciones basadas en evidencias y también socava la respuesta a la Covid-19. Con la nueva normalidad surgen nuevas formas de comunicar los riesgos y nuevos desafíos a enfrentarse.

Ayudas desde la red para el control de la epidemia / Assistance from the Internet for epidermic control

Multitud de portales informáticos aparecen día a día, sobresaturando de información a la comunidad médica y no médica, y que no siempre es confiable y puede encubrir motivos comerciales y propaganda diseminada sin control alguno. Este maremágnum informático en épocas de pandemia puede ser muy peligroso, al llevar a las personas sin formación adecuada conceptos que, al ser mal interpretados o mal difundidos, pueden acabar en ansiedad y confusión. Afortunadamente, de este caos informático surgen aspectos positivos, como es el hecho de aprovechar las indagaciones que sobre síntomas o enfermedades –específicamente, influenza A (H1N1)– realiza la población, en los principales motores de búsqueda de internet (Google o Yahoo), para detectar tempranamente la emergencia de una epidemia local o global. Este método de localización de brotes parece ser de tanta utilidad que, incluso, ha dado origen a una nueva rama del conocimiento: la “infodemiología” que, a través de la “infovigilancia”, vigila los eventos en el instante mismo en que van ocurriendo, o incluso antes, mediante el análisis continuo y estructurado de la información disponible en internet. Otro aspecto por resaltar es la calidad y prontitud en la información dispuesta en las páginas web de las instituciones encargadas del control de infecciones en el mundo (Organización Mundial de la Salud) y en varios países de América, lo cual ha permitido seguir la emergencia de la pandemia y actuar para controlarla.

A huge number of web sites appear every day, overcrowding the existing body of medical and non-medical information in the net; sources are not always reliable and usually covers commercial and propaganda purposes. This may arise an special concern regarding the dissemination of mislead concepts and practices on the response to pandemic Flu. But not everything is negative on this specific matter. An example of this is the possibility of early detection of new cases of Flu, due to the easy access to information regarding clinical symptoms that search engines like Google or Yahoo, provide to the general population. A new online-based method of outbreak surveillance, appear to be a useful tool, an it's been denominated “infodemiology”. This method allows a real-time monitoring of cases and predicts the expansion of the disease, through continuous and structured analysis of information available on the internet. Another aspect to remark is the quality and promptness of information available on the web, provided by the institutions responsible for controlling infections in the world (e.g World Health Organization), improving the response to a pandemic threat.