Online information-seeking behavior of Iranian web users on Google about Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP): an infodemiology study

Abstract

Backgrounds: Previous studies have indicated that users’ health information-seeking behavior can serve as a reflection of current health issues within a community. This study aimed to investigate the online information-seeking behavior of Iranian web users on Google about Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP).MethodsGoogle Trends (GTr) was utilized to collect big data from the internet searches conducted by Iranian web users. A focus group discussion was employed to identify users’ selected keywords when searching for HSP. Additionally, keywords related to the disease’s symptoms were selected based on recent clinical studies. All keywords were queried in GTr from January 1, 2012 to October 30, 2022. The outputs were saved in an Excel format and analyzed using SPSS.ResultsThe highest and lowest search rates of HSP were recorded in winter and summer, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between HSP search rates and the terms “joint pain” (P = 0.007), “vomiting” (P = 0.032), “hands and feet swelling” (P = 0.041) and “seizure” (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings were in accordance with clinical facts about HSP, such as its seasonal pattern and accompanying symptoms. It appears that the information-seeking behavior of Iranian users regarding HSP can provide valuable insights into the outbreak of this disease in Iran.