Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Infodemiology
Date Submitted: Nov 20, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: Nov 20, 2024 - Jan 15, 2025
Date Accepted: Feb 28, 2025
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Tracking Public Interest in Rare Diseases: A Web Search Analysis of Eosinophilic Disorders in Germany (2020-2023)
ABSTRACT
Background:
Hypereosinophilic disorders, including eosinophilia and Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES), are classified as rare diseases, characterized by an abnormally high count of eosinophils. These conditions can cause severe symptoms affecting the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Despite their severity, these disorders are often underrecognized and misdiagnosed due to their rarity and variable clinical presentation.
Objective:
This study analyzes public interest in hypereosinophilic disorders using web search volume data from Germany between 2020 and 2023. Objectives include identifying frequently searched terms, evaluating temporal trends, analyzing seasonal patterns, assessing geographical variations in search behavior, and identifying unmet informational needs and commonly searched risk factors.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis using Google Ads Keyword Planner gathered monthly search volume data for twelve German terms related to hypereosinophilic disorders. These terms were selected based on their medical relevance and common usage identified from medical literature. Data was analyzed descriptively, with trends, seasonal variations, and geographical distributions examined. Chi-square tests and correlation analysis assessed statistical significance.
Results:
A total of 178 keywords were identified, resulting in a search volume of 1,745,540 queries. The top keyword was "eosophile," a misspelling, followed by "eosinophilia" and "HES." The main categories included "Eosinophilia," "Eosinophils," and "Churg-Strauss syndrome." Temporal analysis showed seasonal growth in search volumes, peaking in January 2023, with higher interest during winter. Geographical analysis showed regional variations.
Conclusions:
The study demonstrates a rise in public searches related to eosinophilic disorders, as indicated by the increasing search volumes over the analyzed period, particularly for terms associated with basic and diagnostic information such as eosinophilia and "symptoms of eosinophilic disorders. This growing search activity, especially evident in the peak seen in January 2023, suggests a greater need for accessible and reliable information on these rare conditions.
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