Exploring the use of web searches for risk communication during COVID-19 in Germany

Kaja Kristensen,Ricardo Strauss,Jürgen May,Eva Lorenz

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-85873-4

Abstract

Risk communication during pandemics is an element of utmost importance. Understanding the level of public attention—a prerequisite for effective communication—implicates expensive and time-consuming surveys. We hypothesise that the relative search volume from Google Trends could be used as an indicator of public attention of a disease and its prevention measures. The search terms ‘RKI’ (Robert Koch Institute, national public health authority in Germany), ‘corona’ and ‘protective mask’ in German language were shortlisted. Cross-correlations between these terms and the reported cases from 15 February to 27 April were conducted for each German federal state. The findings were contrasted against a timeline of official communications concerning COVID-19. The highest correlations of the term ‘RKI’ with reported COVID-19 cases were found between lags of − 2 and − 12 days, meaning web searches were already performed from 2 to 12 days before case numbers increased. A similar pattern was seen for the term ‘corona’. Cross-correlations indicated that most searches on ‘protective mask’ were performed from 6 to 12 days after the peak of cases. The results for the term ‘protective mask’ indicate a degree of confusion in the population. This is supported by conflicting recommendations to wear face masks during the first wave. The relative search volumes could be a useful tool to provide timely and location-specific information on public attention for risk communication.

Highlights

Risk communication during pandemics is an element of utmost importance
Incidence data of officially reported COVID-19 cases in Germany were obtained from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) which is the national public health authority in Germany
Histograms of officially reported cases on a national level in combination with line graphs of Google search queries for ‘RKI’, ‘corona’ and ‘protective masks’ at state level are shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3

Summary

Introduction

Risk communication during pandemics is an element of utmost importance. Understanding the level of public attention—a prerequisite for effective communication—implicates expensive and timeconsuming surveys. The search terms ‘RKI’ (Robert Koch Institute, national public health authority in Germany), ‘corona’ and ‘protective mask’ in German language were shortlisted. The results for the term ‘protective mask’ indicate a degree of confusion in the population This is supported by conflicting recommendations to wear face masks during the first wave. The relative search volumes could be a useful tool to provide timely and location-specific information on public attention for risk communication. The risks and uncertainties of emerging infectious diseases can trigger a diverse array of emotional, cognitive, and behavioural responses and affect public behaviour in both constructive (e.g. adopting individual hygiene measures) and destructive manners (e.g. excessive use of health care services)[7,8,9]. Of the entity sending a message are likewise important, for example, credibility of authority, transparency and perceived expertise influence the persuasiveness of the c ommunication[15]

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Conclusion