Infodemiology of autoimmune encephalitis: An analysis of online search behavior using Google Trends

Abstract BackgroundPatients and their caregivers, including clinicians and educators, use web-based search engines to access healthcare-related information from the internet. Online search behavior analysis has been used to obtain insights on health information demand.ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the online search behavior for autoimmune encephalitis worldwide over time through the analysis of search volumes made on Google.MethodsIn this infodemiological study, we retrieved search volume indices for the keyword “autoimmune encephalitis (disease)” based on worldwide search data from January 01, 2004 to October 31, 2021, using Google Trends. We performed a descriptive analysis of search volume patterns, including related topics and queries.ResultsThere was a progressive increase in search volume numbers over time for the keyword “autoimmune encephalitis (disease)” with no annual seasonal variation. Peak search volume was recorded in July 2018. The greatest search volume was recorded in Singapore, followed by Australia, the United States of America, the Philippines, and New Zealand. The most searched topics were related to autoimmune encephalitis definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. All related topics and queries increased in volume by more than 5000-fold over time.ConclusionsThis study showed an uptrend in the online search interest on autoimmune encephalitis over time, which may reflect the increased awareness on the condition by the public and the medical community. Information on online health information-seeking behavior may be obtained from Google Trends data despite its limitations.