Logo image
Back
Search query data to monitor interest in behavior change: application for public health
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Search query data to monitor interest in behavior change: application for public health

Lucas J Carr and Shira I Dunsiger
PloS one, Vol.7(10), pp.e48158-e48158
2012
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048158
PMCID: PMC3479111
PMID: 23110198
url
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0048158View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

There is a need for effective interventions and policies that target the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S. (e.g., smoking, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity). Such efforts could be aided by the use of publicly available, real-time search query data that illustrate times and locations of high and low public interest in behaviors related to preventable causes of death. This study explored patterns of search query activity for the terms 'weight', 'diet', 'fitness', and 'smoking' using Google Insights for Search. Search activity for 'weight', 'diet', 'fitness', and 'smoking' conducted within the United States via Google between January 4(th), 2004 (first date data was available) and November 28(th), 2011 (date of data download and analysis) were analyzed. Using a generalized linear model, we explored the effects of time (month) on mean relative search volume for all four terms. Models suggest a significant effect of month on mean search volume for all four terms. Search activity for all four terms was highest in January with observable declines throughout the remainder of the year. These findings demonstrate discernable temporal patterns of search activity for four areas of behavior change. These findings could be used to inform the timing, location and messaging of interventions, campaigns and policies targeting these behaviors.
 Physical Fitness Public Health - methods Diet Health Behavior Smoking

Details

Metrics

18 Record Views
28 Times Cited - Web of Science
Logo image