Can crowdsourced data help to optimize atopic dermatitis treatment? Comparing web search data and environmental data...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Public Health
• Digital Epidemiology
• Internet Search Behavior Analysis

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic skin condition impacting global quality of life.
• Internet search analysis offers insights into public health concerns and disease-related search trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate public interest in atopic dermatitis (AD) within Germany by analyzing internet search volume.
• To identify key AD-related topics and trends driving online searches.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Google Ads Keyword Planner to gather AD-related search terms and volume data for Germany (2016-2019).
• Conducted qualitative analysis of keywords, assessing temporal trends and the impact of seasonal/environmental factors.
• Examined search query distribution across various AD categories and geographical locations.

Main Results:

• Identified over 1200 AD-related search terms with nearly 9 million searches.
• Observed an increasing search trend from 2016-2019 with seasonal peaks in early spring.
• Found correlations between search volume, temperature, and sun duration, with higher temperatures decreasing queries.
• Noted lower search rates in major cities and a primary interest in "therapy/information," especially "alternative medicine" and "home remedies."

Conclusions:

• High and rising search volumes indicate significant public interest in atopic dermatitis (AD), particularly for treatment and educational content.
• Internet search data can inform AD patient care, identify patient needs, and predict environmental triggers.
• Analysis of search trends can optimize patient-centered care strategies and disease management.