
BACKGROUND In recent years, the internet has become an essential tool where people seek information about health care. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to use data from Google Trends to analyze worldwide public interest in psoriasis and its different treatment modalities, and to analyze the possible seasonality of searches. METHODS A worldwide search was carried out through Google Trends from 2004 to 2019. A combination of terms related to psoriasis treatments was introduced. Joinpoint regression was performed. Google Trends assigns a relative search volume index to the search terms. Comparison annual relative search volume, annual percentage change, and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were analyzed to assess loss or gain of interest. RESULTS Our study reflects an increase interest in secukinumab (AAPC 33.7), ixekizumab (AAPC 23.3), and apremilast (AAPC 21.4). It shows less interest in methotrexate (AAPC –3.6), retinoids (AAPC –9.8), cyclosporine (AAPC –9.8), phototherapy (AAPC –6.3), etanercept (AAPC –14.9), infliximab (AAPC –14), and adalimumab (AAPC –5.8). Seasonality was found in the search term “psoriasis.” CONCLUSIONS Secukinumab, ixekizumab, and apremilast have been the treatments that have aroused the most interest. Our results show current psoriasis search trends and its different treatments based on Google Trend analysis.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
