Psychiatria Danubina, Vol. 30 No. 4, 2018.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2018.404
INTERNET SEARCHES FOR “SUICIDE”, ITS ASSOCIATION WITH EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA AND INSIGHTS FOR PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Przemyslaw Maciej Waszak
; Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland; T. Bilikiewicz memorial Voivodship Psychiatric Hospital, Gdansk, Poland; Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic and Geriatric Disorders, Medical University of Gdansk,
Patryk Górski
; T. Bilikiewicz memorial Voivodship Psychiatric Hospital, Gdansk, Poland
Janusz Springer
; Department of Preventive Medicine & Education, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
Wioleta Kasprzycka-Waszak
; Clinical Psychology postgraduate studies, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
Marta Duzy
; Biomedical engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Poland
Pawel Zagozdzon
; Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
Abstract
Background: Literature demonstrates that analysis of internet search data is a useful tool in predicting the occurrence of illnesses and health-related behaviors. The aim of the study was to quantitatively present the trends in Google searches for the keyword “suicide” and to analyze its correlation with the number of suicides in Poland.
Subjects and methods: We used the Google Trends tool to compile data for years 2004-2016. Statistical analysis was performed for annual, monthly, daily and hourly data. Official data on suicide in Poland were obtained from the Central Statistical Office and the General Police Headquarters of Poland.
Results: A gradual decrease in Google Relative Search Volume of the keyword “suicide” was observed in years 2004-2014, despite the significant increase of suicide rate in Poland (R=-0.24). Reverse correlation was also found between regional suicide coefficients and search volume (R=-0.22). The highest search volumes were recorded in winter months, first days of the week and at night hours (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Presented results may contribute to more effective suicide prevention programs. By specifying the time intervals in which searching suicide information is the highest, it will become easier get to individuals at risk.
Keywords
suicide; Internet; epidemiology; Google Trends
Hrčak ID:
222221
URI
Publication date:
23.11.2018.
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