Exploring infodemiology: unraveling the intricate relationships among stress, headaches, migraines, and suicide through Google Trends analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Google Trends has emerged as a vital resource for understanding public information-seeking behavior. This study investigates the interconnected search trends of stress, headaches, migraines, and suicide, highlighting their relevance to public health and mental well-being. By employing infodemiology, the study explores temporal and geographical patterns in search behavior and examines the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Data mining was conducted using Google Trends for the search terms "stress," "headache," "migraine," and "suicide." Relative Search Volume (RSV) data from October 2013 to October 2023 was collected and adjusted for time and location. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation tests, linear regression, and seasonal Mann-Kendall tests, were applied to identify correlations, trends, and seasonal variations. Geographical differences were also analyzed to understand regional disparities.

Results: Significant correlations were observed among the search terms, with "migraine" and "suicide" showing the strongest association. Seasonal variations revealed a peak in search volumes during winter months. Geographical analysis highlighted consistently high RSV in the Philippines for all terms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, searches for stress, headaches, and migraines showed notable increases, reflecting heightened public interest in mental health-related topics during this period.

Discussion: The study underscores the interconnected nature of stress, headaches, migraines, and suicide in public search behavior. Seasonal patterns and regional variations emphasize the need for targeted interventions. The observed surge in search volume during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the profound impact of global crises on mental health and the importance of timely public health responses.

Conclusion: Google Trends provides valuable insights into the public's interest in health-related topics, demonstrating the intricate relationship between stress, headaches, migraines, and suicide. The findings highlight the need for increased mental health awareness and interventions, particularly during times of heightened stress. Further research is essential to develop strategies that mitigate the impact of these stressors on public health.