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Wecker H, Maier D, Ziehfreund S, Fox FAU, Erhard I, Vehreschild JJ, Zink A. Cancer incidence and digital information seeking in Germany: a retrospective observational study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10184. [PMID: 38702333 PMCID: PMC11068859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Awareness is vital for cancer prevention. US studies show a strong link between web searches and cancer incidence. In Europe, the relationship remains unclear. This study characterizes regional and temporal relationships between cancer incidence and web searches and investigates the content of searches related to breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and testicular cancer, brain tumors, and melanoma in Germany (July 2018-December 2019). Aggregate data from Google Ads Keyword Planner and national cancer registry data were analyzed. Spearman's correlation coefficient (rS) examined associations between cancer incidence and web search, repeated measures correlation (rrm) assessed time trends and searches were qualitatively categorized. The frequency of malignancy-related web searches correlated with cancer incidence (rS = 0.88, P = 0.007), e.g., breast cancer had more queries than the lower-incidence cervical cancer. Seasonally, incidence and searches followed similar patterns, peaking in spring and fall, except for melanoma. Correlations between entity incidence and searches (0.037 ≤ rrm ≤ 0.208) varied regionally. Keywords mainly focused on diagnosis, symptoms, and general information, with variations between entities. In Germany, web searches correlated with regional and seasonal incidence, revealing differences between North/East and South/West. These insights may help improve prevention strategies by identifying regional needs and assessing impact of awareness campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Wecker
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Maier
- Medical Department 2 (Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Diseases), Center for Internal Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ziehfreund
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabienne A U Fox
- Medical Department 2 (Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Diseases), Center for Internal Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ian Erhard
- Medical Department 2 (Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Diseases), Center for Internal Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörg Janne Vehreschild
- Medical Department 2 (Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Diseases), Center for Internal Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department I for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Zink
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Melhem SJ, Nabhani-Gebara S, Kayyali R. Evaluating online health information utilisation and its psychosocial implications among breast cancer survivors: Qualitative explorations. Health Promot Perspect 2024; 14:61-69. [PMID: 38623349 PMCID: PMC11016143 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.42682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the online information-seeking behaviours of breast cancer patients at Jordan University Hospital, focusing on their dissatisfaction with available online health resources and its impact on their well-being and anxiety levels. Methods Employing descriptive phenomenology and convenience sampling, we conducted five Skype-based focus groups with 4-6 breast cancer survivors each, from March to July 2020. Data analysis was performed using NVivo, following Braun and Clark's inductive thematic analysis framework. Results The thematic analysis revealed critical insights into survivors' interactions with online cancer resources, identifying key subthemes such as the quality of online information, cyberchondriasis, health literacy and search strategies, the distress caused by counterproductive searches, and the tendency to avoid internet searches. Conclusion The study underscores the challenges breast cancer survivors face in accessing online health information, especially in Arabic. It highlights the need to improve the quality and accessibility of these resources. Enhancing the cultural relevance of online materials and educating patients on effective information evaluation are crucial. These measures can significantly boost health literacy, mitigate anxiety, and provide better support for breast cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar J Melhem
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan. Amman-Jordan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1LQ, UK
| | - Shereen Nabhani-Gebara
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1LQ, UK
| | - Reem Kayyali
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1LQ, UK
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Yip KC, Lai LL, Ngu ST, Chong RST, Yahya A, See MH. Exploring the health information-seeking practices of breast cancer patients in a middle-income country with a diverse ethnic population: a cross-sectional investigation. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:593. [PMID: 37752312 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08033-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Seeking health information is an important step for cancer patients to understand their condition and facilitate treatment. It also helps them deal with the unknown and aid in recovery. Therefore, it is vital to understand the factors that drive health information-seeking behavior. This study aims to achieve that objective in a localized context by surveying 421 breast cancer patients in an urban teaching hospital. The patients were presented with a 5-point questionnaire that explored their demography, health status, information-seeking behavior, and literacy level. The prevalence of health information-seeking initiatives reported was 60%. Patients with higher education (OR 3.31; 95% CI (1.39-7.87), p = 0.01), having their own business or were self-employed (OR 4.68; 95% CI (1.03-21.24), p = 0.046), and in a Medium 40 (M40) income level (OR 2.31; 95% CI (1.09-4.88), p = 0.03) and Top 20 (T20) level were more likely to seek health information. The mean e-Health Literacy Score (eHEALS) was 28.01 ± 5.0, with healthcare professionals having the highest level of trust (mean 4.22 ± 0.79) and most useful resource score (mean 4.21 ± 0.78). Even though Google was the most popular online search tool used by respondents, most of them seldom (23.77%) or had never (34.34%) discussed the online information they found with healthcare professionals. In conclusion, it is still best for patients to appraise the sought-after information with experts to avoid misinformation and treatment delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah-Chun Yip
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lee-Lee Lai
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Shu- Ting Ngu
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Abqariyah Yahya
- Department of Social Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mee-Hoong See
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Breast Surgery Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Lazard AJ, Nicolla S, Vereen RN, Pendleton S, Charlot M, Tan HJ, DiFranzo D, Pulido M, Dasgupta N. Exposure and Reactions to Cancer Treatment Misinformation and Advice: Survey Study. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e43749. [PMID: 37505790 PMCID: PMC10422174 DOI: 10.2196/43749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer treatment misinformation, or false claims about alternative cures, often spreads faster and farther than true information on social media. Cancer treatment misinformation can harm the psychosocial and physical health of individuals with cancer and their cancer care networks by causing distress and encouraging people to abandon support, potentially leading to deviations from evidence-based care. There is a pressing need to understand how cancer treatment misinformation is shared and uncover ways to reduce misinformation. OBJECTIVE We aimed to better understand exposure and reactions to cancer treatment misinformation, including the willingness of study participants to prosocially intervene and their intentions to share Instagram posts with cancer treatment misinformation. METHODS We conducted a survey on cancer treatment misinformation among US adults in December 2021. Participants reported their exposure and reactions to cancer treatment misinformation generally (saw or heard, source, type of advice, and curiosity) and specifically on social media (platform, believability). Participants were then randomly assigned to view 1 of 3 cancer treatment misinformation posts or an information post and asked to report their willingness to prosocially intervene and their intentions to share. RESULTS Among US adult participants (N=603; mean age 46, SD 18.83 years), including those with cancer and cancer caregivers, almost 1 in 4 (142/603, 23.5%) received advice about alternative ways to treat or cure cancer. Advice was primarily shared through family (39.4%) and friends (37.3%) for digestive (30.3%) and natural (14.1%) alternative cancer treatments, which generated curiosity among most recipients (106/142, 74.6%). More than half of participants (337/603, 55.9%) saw any cancer treatment misinformation on social media, with significantly higher exposure for those with cancer (53/109, 70.6%) than for those without cancer (89/494, 52.6%; P<.001). Participants saw cancer misinformation on Facebook (39.8%), YouTube (27%), Instagram (22.1%), and TikTok (14.1%), among other platforms. Participants (429/603, 71.1%) thought cancer treatment misinformation was true, at least sometimes, on social media. More than half (357/603, 59.2%) were likely to share any cancer misinformation posts shown. Many participants (412/603, 68.3%) were willing to prosocially intervene for any cancer misinformation posts, including flagging the cancer treatment misinformation posts as false (49.7%-51.4%) or reporting them to the platform (48.1%-51.4%). Among the participants, individuals with cancer and those who identified as Black or Hispanic reported greater willingness to intervene to reduce cancer misinformation but also higher intentions to share misinformation. CONCLUSIONS Cancer treatment misinformation reaches US adults through social media, including on widely used platforms for support. Many believe that social media posts about alternative cancer treatment are true at least some of the time. The willingness of US adults, including those with cancer and members of susceptible populations, to prosocially intervene could initiate the necessary community action to reduce cancer treatment misinformation if coupled with strategies to help individuals discern false claims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J Lazard
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sydney Nicolla
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hll, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rhyan N Vereen
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hll, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Shanetta Pendleton
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hll, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Marjory Charlot
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Hung-Jui Tan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Dominic DiFranzo
- P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | - Marlyn Pulido
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Akingbade O, Adediran V, Somoye IE, Alade AS, Chow KM. Perceived feasibility and usefulness of mHealth interventions for psychoeducational support among Nigerian women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer: a focus group study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9723-9734. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07403-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Arsenakis S, Chatton A, Penzenstadler L, Billieux J, Berle D, Starcevic V, Viswasam K, Khazaal Y. Unveiling the relationships between cyberchondria and psychopathological symptoms. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 143:254-261. [PMID: 34509786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cyberchondria is a clinical entity of excessive and repetitive online health-related searches, associated with health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and intolerance of uncertainty. Its relationships with depressive and somatic symptoms have not yet received much attention. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual and comparative effects of several psychopathology constructs on the severity of cyberchondria. Through an online platform, participants (N = 749) completed specific self-report measures assessing the severity of cyberchondria, anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, depressive, somatic, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Standard and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to assess how well the independent variables influenced the levels of cyberchondria, before and after controlling for age, education, and sex. When measures of all constructs were included in the analysis, all were significant predictors of cyberchondria levels, except for anxiety. Health anxiety made the strongest contribution. When age, education and sex were controlled for, all measures except for anxiety were also significant predictors of cyberchondria severity. Our study confirms that health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and intolerance of uncertainty are all associated with cyberchondria severity, with health anxiety making the strongest unique contribution. Depression and somatic symptoms also predicted cyberchondria severity. These findings have important implications for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Arsenakis
- Centre for Excessive Gambling, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Anne Chatton
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Louise Penzenstadler
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Berle
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vladan Starcevic
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, Nepean Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirupamani Viswasam
- Department of Psychiatry, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Centre for Excessive Gambling, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland; Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Research Centre, University Institute of Mental Health at Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Medical app minefield: radiologists use of medical apps for education and reporting and do they require regulation? Clin Radiol 2021; 76:774-778. [PMID: 34112510 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2021.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the use of apps in radiology and consider advised changes to practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey was conducted of all radiology consultants and specialty trainees within Devon and Cornwall. The responses were collated, including the list of all medical applications used. These were assessed using the Medicine & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) "Medical device stand-alone software including apps" guidance. RESULTS The response rate was 88/150 (59%) radiologists who responded with the majority 48/88 (54.4%) using apps. Forty-four of 66 (67%) states that they did not assess the reliability or accuracy of these devices prior to use with 71/81 (88%) indicating that they were unaware of any regulations. Thirty-three items were identified of which 27 functioning apps were identified and three of these were considered medical devices and did not have complete and recognisable CE marking as required by the MHRA. CONCLUSION This study highlights that application use is widespread. The vast majority of these applications are not considered medical devices; however, there are some devices that, according to the MHRA flow chart, are used in a way that classifies them as medical devices and should therefore be CE marked. This highlights the need for guidance and regulation of the medical application market with recommendations provided.
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Hildenbrand GM, Benedict BC. Examining Variation in Emotional Distress among Individuals with a Cancer Diagnosis. West J Nurs Res 2021; 44:151-158. [PMID: 33666126 DOI: 10.1177/0193945921994118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether emotional distress among U.S. adults diagnosed with cancer was influenced by death rates, survival rates, and new cases based on cancer type and individual-level variables (health efficacy, perceived health, and use of information and communication technologies and social media for health-related reasons). Health Information National Trends Survey 5 data from cycle 1 and cycle 2 were used to examine emotional distress among individuals who had experienced 1 of 17 different types of cancer diagnoses. A multilevel model and follow-up one-way ANOVA indicated a small statistically significant difference in emotional distress across cancer types. To investigate the influence of individual-level variables on emotional distress, a hierarchical regression analysis indicated that, after controlling for perceived health and health efficacy, using social media in a greater number of health-related ways significantly predicted greater emotional distress, while using information and communication technologies in a greater number of health-related ways did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Hildenbrand
- Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Bailey C Benedict
- Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Azzam DB, Cypen SG, Tao JP. Oculofacial plastic surgery-related online search trends including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Orbit 2020; 40:44-50. [PMID: 33317388 DOI: 10.1080/01676830.2020.1852264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The authors aim to characterize oculofacial plastic surgery-related online interest that may be useful in forecasting demand and in designing patient-directed online resources. Methods: The authors queried Google Trends for over 100 oculofacial plastic surgery terms. The main outcome measure was the top 50 oculofacial plastic surgery-related search terms from 2004 to 2020. Secondary outcomes were trends, including seasonality, and search volume changes during the COVID-19 lockdown (March-May 2020) compared to 2018-2019. Terms were analyzed individually and in thematic categories; controlled against generic search terms to account for general internet traffic. Results: Between 2004 and 2020, searches for oculofacial plastic surgery altogether increased, surpassing the rate of internet traffic growth. One thematic category - eyelid malpositions - decreased month-over-month. The top five terms were "face lift," "Bell's palsy," "puffy eyes," "dark circles under eyes," and "chalazion." Eyelid neoplasms searches peaked in summer (R2 = 0.880) whereas cosmetic (R2 = 0.862), symptoms (R 2 = 0.907), and surgeries (R 2 = 0.140) peaked in winter. Overall, oculofacial-related searches decreased during the COVID-19 lockdown, although thyroid eye disease interest increased compared to 2018 or 2019 (+68.6%; adj. p = .005). Oculofacial plastic surgery interest in 2020 was inversely correlated to "COVID-19" searches (r = -0.76, p < .001). Conclusions: Oculofacial plastic surgery searches increased since 2004 at a pace greater than that ascribed to internet traffic growth. The most searched terms were "face lift," "Bell's palsy," "puffy eyes," "dark circles under eyes," and "chalazion." Almost all oculofacial-related searches decreased during the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Azzam
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic & Orbital Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California , Irvine, California, USA
| | - Sanja G Cypen
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic & Orbital Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California , Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jeremiah P Tao
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic & Orbital Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California , Irvine, California, USA
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Pier MM, Pasick LJ, Benito DA, Alnouri G, Sataloff RT. Otolaryngology-related Google Search trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Am J Otolaryngol 2020; 41:102615. [PMID: 32659612 PMCID: PMC7303046 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess trends of Google Search queries for symptoms and complaints encountered commonly in otolaryngology practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic when in-person care has been limited. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, data on Google Search queries in the United States for 30 otolaryngology-related terms were obtained from Google Trends. The means of relative search volume from the COVID-19 period (March 29, 2020 through May 16, 2020) were compared to similar periods from 2016 to 2019 using a t-test of two independent samples. Results In total, 16.6% of search terms had significant increases in relative search volume during the COVID-19 period, with the largest percentage increase for “can't smell” (124.4%, p = .006), followed by “allergies” (30.3%, p = .03), “voice pain” (26.1%, p = .008), and “ears ringing” (19.0%, p < .001). Of all search terms, 26.7% had significant decreases in relative search volume, including the largest percentage decrease for “laryngitis” (59.8%, p < .001), followed by “thyroid nodule” (54.4%, p < .001), “thyroid cancer” (45.6%, p < .001), and “ENT” (34.9%, p < .001). Conclusion This study demonstrates that Google search activity for many otolaryngology-related terms during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased or decreased significantly as compared to previous years. With reduced access to in-office otolaryngology care in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, these are important considerations for otolaryngology practices to meet the needs of patients who lack access to care. Otolaryngology-related Google Search activity changed during the COVID-19 pandemic Google Trends provides important insights into patients’ needs during a pandemic Internet search data can guide telehealth implementation in otolaryngology practices
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Pier
- Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 W Queen Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States of America.
| | - Luke J Pasick
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th St 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America.
| | - Daniel A Benito
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 6B, Washington, DC 20037, United States of America.
| | - Ghiath Alnouri
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, and Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, 219 N. Broad St, 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States of America.
| | - Robert T Sataloff
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, and Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, 219 N. Broad St, 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States of America.
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11
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Baskin AS, Wang T, Mott NM, Hawley ST, Jagsi R, Dossett LA. Gaps in Online Breast Cancer Treatment Information for Older Women. Ann Surg Oncol 2020; 28:950-957. [PMID: 32734367 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-08961-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For women older than 70 years with early-stage breast cancer, the routine use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and adjuvant radiotherapy offers no overall survival benefit and may be perceived as undesirable by many women. National guidelines allow possible omission of these practices for older women. This study aimed to assess the availability of web-based educational materials targeting older women and their age-specific treatment recommendations. METHODS The study systematically assessed the websites of the top 25 "Best Hospitals for Cancer" ranked by the U.S. News & World Report, as well as the websites of four prominent national cancer organizations. RESULTS Websites for the leading cancer hospitals and national cancer organizations contain extremely limited information directed toward older patients with breast cancer. Both SLNB and adjuvant radiotherapy are described as treatments "typically," "most often," or "usually" used in combination with breast-conserving surgery without circumstances noted for possible omission. Specifically, no hospital website and only one national organization in this study included information on the recommendation to avoid routine SLNB. Only two hospitals and two national organizations included information suggesting possible omission of adjuvant radiotherapy for patients older than 70 years. CONCLUSION The absence of online material for older patients with breast cancer represents a gap potentially contributing to overtreatment by framing SLNB and adjuvant radiotherapy as necessary. Informational resources available to women aged 70 years or older may aid in informed physician-patient communication and decision-making, which may reduce SLNB and adjuvant radiotherapy for patients who might opt out of these procedures if fully informed about them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ton Wang
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nicole M Mott
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lesly A Dossett
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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