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[On the seasonality of dermatoses: a retrospective analysis of search engine query data depending on the season].
[On the seasonality of dermatoses: a retrospective analysis of search engine query data depending on the season].
- Source :
-
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete [Hautarzt] 2014 Sep; Vol. 65 (9), pp. 814-22. - Publication Year :
- 2014
-
Abstract
- Background: The volume of search engine queries about disease-relevant items reflects public interest and correlates with disease prevalence as proven by the example of flu (influenza). Other influences include media attention or holidays.<br />Study Goal: The present work investigates if the seasonality of prevalence or symptom severity of dermatoses correlates with search engine query data.<br />Methods: The relative weekly volume of dermatological relevant search terms was assessed by the online tool Google Trends for the years 2009-2013. For each item, the degree of seasonality was calculated via frequency analysis and a geometric approach.<br />Results: Many dermatoses show a marked seasonality, reflected by search engine query volumes. Unexpected seasonal variations of these queries suggest a previously unknown variability of the respective disease prevalence. Furthermore, using the example of allergic rhinitis, a close correlation of search engine query data with actual pollen count can be demonstrated.<br />Discussion: In many cases, search engine query data are appropriate to estimate seasonal variability in prevalence of common dermatoses. This finding may be useful for real-time analysis and formation of hypotheses concerning pathogenetic or symptom aggravating mechanisms and may thus contribute to improvement of diagnostics and prevention of skin diseases.
Details
- Language :
- German
- ISSN :
- 1432-1173
- Volume :
- 65
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25234631
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00105-014-2848-6