Using Search Trends to Analyze Web-Based Interest in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms-Related Inquiries, Diagnoses, and Treatments in Mainland China: Infodemiology Study of Baidu Index Data

Abstract

Background Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are one of the most commonly described urination disorders worldwide. Previous investigations have focused predominantly on the prospective identification of cases that meet the researchers’ criteria; thus, the genuine demands regarding LUTS from patients and related issues may be neglected. Objective We aimed to examine web-based search trends and behaviors related to LUTS on a national and regional scale by using the dominant, major search engine in mainland China. Methods Baidu Index was queried by using LUTS-related terms for the period of January 2011 to September 2020. The search volume for each term was recorded to analyze search trends and demographic distributions. For user interest, user demand graph data and trend data were collected and analyzed. Results Of the 13 LUTS domains, 11 domains are available in the Baidu Index database. The Baidu search index for each LUTS domain varied from 37.78% to 1.47%. The search trends for urinary frequency (2011-2018: annual percent change APC=7.82%; P<.001), incomplete emptying (2011-2014: APC=17.74%; P<.001), nocturia (2011-2018: APC=11.54%; P<.001), dysuria (2017-2020: APC=20.77%; P<.001), and incontinence (2011-2016: APC=13.39%; P<.001) exhibited fluctuations over time. The search index trends for weak stream (2011-2017: APC=−4.68%; P<.001; 2017-2020: APC=9.32%; P=.23), split stream (2011-2013: APC=9.50%; P=.44; 2013-2020: APC=2.05%; P=.71), urgency (2011-2018: APC=−2.63%; P=.03; 2018-2020: APC=8.58%; P=.19), and nocturnal enuresis (2011-2018: APC=−3.20%; P=.001; 2018-2020: APC=−4.21%; P=.04) remained relatively stable and consistent. The age distribution of the population for all LUTS-related inquiries showed that individuals aged 20 to 40 years made 73.86% (49,218,123/66,635,247) of the total search inquiries. Further, individuals aged 40 to 49 years made 12.29% (8,193,922/66,635,247) of the total search inquiries for all LUTS-related terms. People from the east part of China made 67.79% (45,172,031/66,635,247) of the total search queries. Additionally, most of the searches for LUTS-related terms were related to those for urinary diseases to varying degrees. Conclusions Web-based interest in LUTS-related terms fluctuated wildly and was reflected timely by Baidu Index in mainland China. The web-based search popularity of each LUTS-related term varied significantly and differed based on personal interests, the population’s concerns, regional variations, and gender. These data can be used by care providers to track the prevalence of LUTS and the population’s interests, guide the establishment of disease-specific health care policies, and optimize physician-patient health care sessions.

An Analysis of Public Perception and Concern Toward Electronic Cigarettes: Exploring Attitudes and Profiles

“…Google Trends is a well-recognized academic approach for investigating public needs [ 28 ]. In this study, we used the Baidu Index, a data analysis platform based on Baidu's extensive network behavior data, to investigate infodemiology evidence of e-cigarettes, as Google is inaccessible in mainland China [ 29 , 30 ]. This approach allows us to gain insight into public attention toward e-cigarettes, which can potentially inform clinicians in their efforts toward lung cancer prevention and treatment, considering that lung cancer is a preventable disease in theory.…”

The 2022 Summer record-breaking heatwave and health information-seeking behaviours: an infodemiology study in Mainland China

“…In addition to being a remedy for the lag in health data collection, internet search data have unique advantages in assessing the health impact of heatwaves. For example, some people with mild symptoms or who are susceptible but not yet sick also tend to search the internet for solutions, 12 but such health status is difficult to be investigated when studying the health impact of heatwaves in comparison to traditional hospital-based morbidity or mortality data. 14 Another example is mental health which can easily involve respondents' privacy, leading to a low response rate in epidemiological surveys or information bias due to the fabrication of facts.…”

“…23 BSI has been already used in studies investigating Chinese health-related information-seeking behaviours such as the early warning and monitoring of COVID-19 and attention to urological diseases. 12 24 According to the latest Statistical Report on Internet Development in China, as of June 2022, the number of internet users in China was approximately 1.1 billion and the internet penetration rate reached 74.40%, 25 together with the 2022 exceptional heatwave, providing a good chance to conduct infodemiology study on heatwave and population health.…”

“…9 Studies in the USA and China have shown that the volume of internet searches correlates well with a real-time reflection of disease. [10][11][12] The internet is a predominant channel for people to obtain information about health issues nowadays. 13 The available online search data are a voluntary expression of public concerns and needs, 12 and patients who come from countries such as the USA with high internet penetration are increasingly using the internet to search for health information before and after medical consultations.…”

“…[10][11][12] The internet is a predominant channel for people to obtain information about health issues nowadays. 13 The available online search data are a voluntary expression of public concerns and needs, 12 and patients who come from countries such as the USA with high internet penetration are increasingly using the internet to search for health information before and after medical consultations. In addition to being a remedy for the lag in health data collection, internet search data have unique advantages in assessing the health impact of heatwaves.…”