Global search demand for varicose vein information on the internet

Abstract

Background

Changes in internet search trends can provide healthcare professionals detailed information on prevalence of disease and symptoms. Chronic venous disease, more commonly known as varicose veins, is a common symptomatic disease among the adult population. This study aims to measure the change in global search demand for varicose vein information using Google over the past 8 years.

Methods

The Google Trends instrument was used to measure the change in demand for the use of the local name for varicose veins in several countries across the world between January 2006 and December 2012. The measurements were normalised onto a scale relative to the largest volume of search requests received during a designated time and geographical location. Comparison of national levels of private healthcare and healthcare spending per capita to search demand was also undertaken using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and development economic measurements.

Results

Global interest has increased significantly, with linear regression demonstrating a 3.72% year-on-year increase in demand over the 8-year time period (r²= 0.385, p < 0.001). Annual demand significantly increased in the northern hemisphere (p < 0.001 Friedman) yet decreased in the southern hemisphere (p < 0.001 Friedman). Significant seasonality was observed, with warmer months experiencing greater search demand compared to cooler winter months (<0.001 Kruskal–Wallis). National levels of private healthcare did not appear to correlate in search demand (r²= 0.120 p = 0.306). Healthcare spending per capita did not relate to search demand (r²= 0.450 p = 0.077).

Conclusion

There is increasing demand for information about varicose veins on the internet, especially during the warmer months of the year. Online search demand does not appear to be related to healthcare spending.