A comparison of Internet search trends and sexually transmitted infection rates using Google trends

Amy K Johnson; Supriya D Mehta

doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000065

A comparison of Internet search trends and sexually transmitted infection rates using Google trends

Sex Transm Dis. 2014 Jan;41(1):61-3. doi: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000065.

Authors

Amy K Johnson¹, Supriya D Mehta

Affiliation

¹ From the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL.

PMID: 24326584
DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000065

Abstract

Google Trends was used to determine the relationship between sexually transmitted infection (STI)-related search engine trends and STI rates. Trends seem to be similar to the relative rates of STIs and to regional differences in rates. Search engine trends are an innovative tool to integrate into STI surveillance.

Publication types

Comparative Study

MeSH terms

Data Collection / trends*
Female
Humans
Internet*
Male
Population Surveillance
Search Engine*
Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
United States / epidemiology