Analyzing web searches for axial spondyloarthritis in Germany: a novel approach to exploring interests and unmet needs

Berr K, Tizek L, Schielein MC, Welcker M, Knitza J, Kleinert S, Zink A (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Rheumatology International Springer Verlag (Germany)

DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05273-x

Abstract

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an underdiagnosed condition with a high disease burden. Due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialist care, conventional health data might not sufficiently capture the perspective of affected individuals. The aim of this study was to assess public interest, unmet needs, and disease burden of axSpA in Germany through the analysis of thematic, geographic, and temporal patterns in national web search data. Google Ads Keyword Planner was used to identify axSpA-related keywords and their monthly search volume in Germany between January 2017 and December 2020. Identified keywords were qualitatively categorized into six categories. Overall, 265 axSpA-related keywords with a search volume of 3,881,490 queries were identified. Nearly 81% of the total search volume was assigned to the category terms and definition, while 19% referred to either outcomes, symptoms, diagnosis, management, or causes. In the category outcomes, prognostic outcomes like “life expectancy” generated more searches than physical manifestations like “pain”. Less populated cities showed significantly more searches per 100,000 inhabitants than larger cities. Searches were seasonally stable with a Germany-wide peak in July 2017. This study provides an overview of public interest in axSpA based on web search data in Germany. The identified search patterns could be used to guide public health campaigns and optimize axSpA management in Germany.

Authors with CRIS profile

Johannes Knitza Department of Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität München (TUM) DE Germany (DE) Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (MVZ) für Rheumatologie Dr. Martin Welcker GmbH / MVZ for rheumatology DE Germany (DE) Praxisgemeinschaft Rheumatologie - Nephrologie DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Berr, K., Tizek, L., Schielein, M.C., Welcker, M., Knitza, J., Kleinert, S., & Zink, A. (2023). Analyzing web searches for axial spondyloarthritis in Germany: a novel approach to exploring interests and unmet needs. Rheumatology International. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-023-05273-x

MLA:

Berr, Kristina, et al. "Analyzing web searches for axial spondyloarthritis in Germany: a novel approach to exploring interests and unmet needs." Rheumatology International (2023).

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