Googling “mental health” after mental health legislation and during the COVID-19 pandemic: an infodemiological study of public interest in mental health in the Philippines

Abstract

Background Public interest in mental health in the Philippines can change after the Mental Health (MH) act approval and during the COVID-19 pandemic. To determine these changes, online searches in Google can be analyzed as an alternative measure. Aims To determine the trends of public interest in mental health before and after the MH act approval and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Aggregated search volumes for mental health using the keyword, “Mental Health (Topic)” were gathered from Google Trends. Search volume indices (SVIs), and related queries were analyzed. SVIs from the different periods were compared using means, t test, ANOVA, and ARIMA. Results Public interest in mental health increased after the MH Act approval and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The top and rising related queries revolved around mental health definitions, translations, factors, services, policy, adverse mental state, and its context during the pandemic. Conclusions These increased public interests may stem from aspirations for mental health after legislation and higher mental health needs during the pandemic. Related queries may indicate that the public may be using online information to search for mental health services and concepts. Thus, there is a need to improve reliable and trustworthy online mental health information and services.