Leveraging web search data in Germany to identify unmet needs of contraceptives on a population-based level: A longitudinal retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: There are a variety of possible contraceptives available. While medical advice is an important resource for selecting the individual contraceptive, previous research has shown that the Internet has become an increasingly important source of health care information. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify key trends in contraception-related web searches in Germany and thus allows conclusions about preferences and unmet needs with regard to pregnancy prevention. DESIGN: Longitudinal retrospective study. METHODS: Google Ads Keyword Planner was used to identify contraception-related keywords and their search volume in Germany and all federal states between 2018 and 2021. The keywords were categorized based on gender, hormonal/non-hormonal, and different contraceptive methods. Search volume and categories were analyzed for temporal trends, regional differences, and underlying socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: The 1481 contraception-related keywords corresponded to 15,081,760 searches. In total, a 56% increase in searches/100,000 inhabitants was observed. Highest mean search volume was observed in categories "woman," "woman/non-hormonal" and "woman/non-hormonal/barrier," respectively, and in the federal state Hamburg, while the lowest was seen in North Rhine-Westphalia. CONCLUSION: The increase in search volume reflects a high interest in contraception, particularly in non-hormonal female methods. This stands in contrast to the limited number of effective non-hormonal contraceptives available and points to an unmet need. In addition, the low search volume for male contraceptives demonstrates gender-specific responsibilities regarding family planning in German society.

Analyzing Google search volume to identify preferences and unmet needs in contraception in German societyContraception is a topic that occupies many people in their daily lives. There is a wide range of different contraceptives available. The decision for a particular contraceptive can be made with the help of a consultation with a gynecologist or through other sources, such as the Internet. Research has shown that the Internet has become an important source for obtaining health information. This study aims to identify key trends in contraception-related web searches in Germany and thus allows conclusions about preferences and unmet needs with regard to pregnancy prevention. Google Ads Keyword Planner was used to identify contraception-related keywords and their search volume in Germany and all federal states between 2018 and 2021. The keywords were assigned to different categories based on whether the woman or the man uses the contraceptive, whether the contraceptive methods contain hormones or no hormones, and which exact contraceptive methods are associated with the search term. The search volume was analyzed in terms of trends over time, regional differences in Germany and socioeconomic variables. A 56% increase in searches per 100,000 inhabitants was observed. The highest mean search volume was observed in the category woman, followed by female non-hormonal contraceptives and within that category, the contraceptive method "barrier." The study shows that there is a high interest in contraception, especially in non-hormonal female contraceptives. These results contrast with the limited number of non-hormonal and effective contraceptive methods available. In addition, the low search volume in the category man shows that women are the main responsible party in terms of contraception in German society.

RhoA/C inhibits proliferation by inducing the synthesis of GPRC5A.

Rho GTPases are important regulators of many cellular functions like cell migration, adhesion and polarity. The molecular switches are often dysregulated in cancer. We detected Rho-dependent upregulation of the orphan seven-transmembrane receptor G-protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member A (GPRC5A). GPRC5A is highly expressed in breast cancer whereas in lung cancer, it is often downregulated. Here, we analyzed the function of GPRC5A in breast epithelial and breast cancer cells. Activation or expression of RhoA/C led to GPRC5A-dependent inhibition of proliferation and reduction of the colony forming capacity of benign breast epithelial cells. This effect is based on an inhibition of EGFR signalling. Knockout of retinoic acid induced 3 (RAI3, the gene for GPRC5A) in breast cancer cells increased cell division, whereas Rho activation had no effect on proliferation. Knockout of RAI3 in benign breast epithelial cells led to decrease of EGFR expression and diminished proliferation.