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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Levels of toothache-related interests of Google and YouTube users from developed and developing countries over time

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Author(s):
Lotto, Matheus [1] ; Aguirre, Patricia E. A. [1] ; Strieder, Anna P. [1] ; Cruvinel, Agnes F. P. [2] ; Cruvinel, Thiago [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Bauru Sch Dent, Dept Pediat Dent Orthodont & Publ Hlth, Bauru, SP - Brazil
[2] Fed Univ Fronteira Sul, Sch Med, Discipline Publ Hlth, Chapeco, SC - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: PeerJ; v. 7, OCT 10 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Background. The preferences of Web users can be influenced by distinct factors of populations. Hence, hypothetically, source-based patterns of health-related Web searches might differ between individuals from developed and developing countries, due to their distinct educational, social, economic, political, cultural, and psychosocial backgrounds. In this context, this study aimed to determine the trends of toothache-related searches performed on Google Search and YouTube, regarding differences between developed and developing countries. Methods. This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed computational metadata on toothache-related interests of Internet users. Google Trends was accessed to obtain the monthly variation of relative search volume (RSV) of the topic ``Toothache-Disease{''} on Google (G) and YouTube (YT) through 2008-2017. Autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation plots, ARIMA models, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's and T tests were performed for evaluating trends, 12-month forecasts and the differences of annual ratios of YT/G searches between developed and developing countries, respectively (P < 0.05). Results. Uptrends of RSVs were observed in both country groups over time, although 12-month forecasts tended to plateau.The volumes of searches were higher in developed countries in comparison to developing ones; however, this difference was not observed regarding Google searches performed between 2016 and 2017. Independently of country groups, the ratios YT/G remained relatively constant throughout the period, indicating a greater interest in toothache-related information available on Google. Conclusion. In conclusion, toothache-related searches from Google and YouTube increased during the last decade. The preferences of Web users seemed to be influenced by the differences between developed and developing countries, such as the availability and penetration of the Internet, and education levels. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/25899-7 - Randomized clinical trial: evaluation of the effectiveness of an application for mobile phones as an aid in the prevention of early childhood caries
Grantee:Matheus Lotto de Almeida Souza
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master