Epidemiological and socioeconomic factors may influence online searches for antibiotics
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: To identify the factors that influence internet searches for "antibiotic," using Brazil as a case study. Methods: This is a quantitative study based on Google Trends data (2018-2022) for the terms "antibiotics," "amoxicillin," "azithromycin," and "cephalexin." Spearman's correlation test was performed to evaluate the relationship between RSV, mortality, and HDI, with a significance level of 5%. Additionally, a descriptive data analysis was conducted. Results: The Northern and Northeastern regions showed the highest search volumes. Spearman's correlation test revealed a positive and significant correlation between RSV for "azithromycin" (rs = 0.7887; p < 0.0001) and "amoxicillin" (rs = 0.7423; p < 0.001) with respiratory disease mortality. A significant negative correlation was observed between HDI and RSV (rs = -0.7223; p < 0.05), indicating that states with lower HDI tend to have higher search volumes for antibiotics. Conclusion: Google Trends has proven to be a useful tool for monitoring antibiotic use and self-medication patterns, especially in regions with low HDI and precarious health services.
Source: Revista Eletrônica Acervo Saúde
Authors: Pedro Henrique Oliveira Favacho, Carlos Vinícius Ruiz Favacho, Élida Cristina Oliveira de Almeida Freitas, Vanilce Campo Ferreira, Samara Suellem Rendeiro Barros, Gabriel Silas Marinho Sousa, Silvia Helena Marques da Silva, Rodrigo Santos de Oliveira
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408400167