Use of Google Trends database during the COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review

Abstract

Public concern about the high number of COVID-19 cases has caused many people to seek information related to the virus. The large number of searches regarding information via Google search will create trend data that are processed in graphical form by displaying keywords from searches made. These trends can be accessed via Google Trends. This study aimed to provide an overview of the use of Google Trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a systematic review method. Article searches were conducted through four databases, namely, Cochrane, Europe PMC, PubMed, and Science Direct. The literature search included articles published from January 2020 to September 2022 using the PRISMA guidelines. After reviewing 33 articles, it was found that there was an increase in searches for terms related to COVID-19 in the Google Trends database. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Google Trends was widely used to predict positive cases and deaths due to COVID-19, connoting the high public interest in the delta vaccine variant compared to other vaccine variants, increasing public interest regarding the symptoms of COVID-19; anosmia, a drastic increase in public interest in telehealth during a pandemic, the effects of a pandemic that trigger stress and worsen a person's mental health, and prevention efforts made by consuming adequate vitamins and nutrients to increase the body's resistance. In addition, several search engines from other countries and social media were used to complement the use of Google Trends. The Google Trends database can be used as an effective tool for estimating trends in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and as a reference for the government in making decisions regarding policies implemented to control COVID-19.