scholarly journals What Filipinos, the world’s number one Internet users, want to know about cancer: A Google search analysis from 2015 to 2019.

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl) ◽  
pp. 23-23
Author(s):  
Lance Isidore Garcenila Catedral ◽  
Louis Mervyn Banua Leones ◽  
Carlo Miguel Berba
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Cancer Breast ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Search Volume ◽  
Internet Users

23 Background: Filipinos were the world’s heaviest Internet users in 2018. It has been shown that they use the Internet to actively search for health-related information, but it has not yet been determined what kinds of information are sought. There is a gap in our present understanding of the information needs of the Filipino population in relation to cancer. The study assessed the cancer-related information needs of Filipinos using Internet search data from March 2015 to May 2019. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was done using Google AdWords Keyword Planner to identify search terms related to cancer from Internet users from the Philippines from June 2015 to May 2019. The identified search terms were assessed descriptively using Microsoft Excel version 16.26. The search terms were qualitatively categorized and described. Results: A total of 806 cancer-related search terms were identified, with 13,632,890 Google web searches, during the period under review. The top ten search terms with the highest monthly search volume in the Philippines (n=4,741,600, 34.78%) were “cancer,” “breast cancer,” “cervical cancer,” “prostate cancer,” “colon cancer,” “breast cancer symptoms,” “lung cancer,” “lung cancer symptoms,” “colon cancer symptoms,” and “lungs.” In this time period, Filipinos sought information on cancer-related signs and symptoms (n=3,307,640, 24.26%) and cancer treatment (n=604,070, 4.43%). Filipinos also searched for alternative, herbal, and natural cancer treatments, but the search volume accounted for a low percentage of the total searches (n=8,710, 0.06%). Searches for the search term, “cancer,” were highest on January to February, a trend observed from January 2016 to 2019. Conclusions: Our study provides insight into the cancer-related information needs of the Filipino population. This information may inform the development of targeted, cost-effective awareness campaigns through the Internet, which may be more effective if launched at the beginning of each year.

scholarly journals Online Information-Seeking About Potential Breast Cancer Symptoms: Capturing Online Behavior With an Internet Browsing Tracking Tool (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afrodita Marcu ◽  
Cecile Muller ◽  
Emma Ream ◽  
Katriina L Whitaker
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Online Information Seeking

BACKGROUND People engage in health information-seeking online when experiencing unusual or unfamiliar bodily changes. It is not well understood how people consult the internet for health information after the onset of unfamiliar symptoms and before receiving a potential diagnosis and how online information-seeking can help people appraise their symptoms. This lack of evidence may be partly due to methodological limitations in capturing in real time the online information-seeking process. OBJECTIVE We explored women’s symptom attribution and online health information-seeking in response to a hypothetical and unfamiliar breast change suggestive of cancer (nipple rash). We also aimed to establish the feasibility of capturing in real time the online information-seeking process with a tool designed to track participant online searches and visited websites, the Vizzata browser tracker. METHODS An online survey was completed by 56 cancer-free women (mean age 60.34 [SD 7.73] years) responding to a scenario asking them to imagine noticing a red scaly rash on the nipple. Participants were asked to make symptom attributions when presented with the scenario (T1) and again after seeking information online (T2). The online tracking tool, embedded in the survey, was used to capture in real time participant search terms and accessed websites. RESULTS The tracking tool captured the search terms and accessed websites of most of the participants (46/56, 82%). For the rest (10/56, 18%), there was evidence of engagement in online information-seeking (eg, medical terminology and cancer attribution at T2) despite their searching activity not being recorded. A total of 25 participants considered cancer as a potential cause for the nipple rash at T1, yet only one of these used cancer as a search term. Most participants (40/46, 87%) used rash-related search terms, particularly nipple rash and rash on nipple. The majority (41/46, 89%) accessed websites containing breast cancer information, with the National Health Service webpage “Paget disease of the nipple” being the most visited one. At T2, after engaging in the internet search task, more participants attributed the nipple rash to breast cancer than at T1 (37/46, 66% vs 25/46, 45%), although a small number of participants (6/46) changed from making a cancer attribution at T1 to a noncancer one at T2. CONCLUSIONS Making a cancer attribution for an unfamiliar breast change did not necessarily translate into cancer-termed searches. Equally, not all internet searches led to a cancer attribution. The findings suggest that online information-seeking may not necessarily help women who experience unfamiliar breast cancer symptoms understand their condition. Despite some technical issues, this study showed that it is feasible to use an online browser tracking tool to capture in real time information-seeking about unfamiliar symptoms.

The Impact of a Highly Publicized Celebrity Suicide on Suicide-Related Online Information Seeking

Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Arendt ◽  
Sebastian Scherr
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Search Queries ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Celebrity Suicide ◽  
Online Information Seeking ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Background: Research has already acknowledged the importance of the Internet in suicide prevention as search engines such as Google are increasingly used in seeking both helpful and harmful suicide-related information. Aims: We aimed to assess the impact of a highly publicized suicide by a Hollywood actor on suicide-related online information seeking. Method: We tested the impact of the highly publicized suicide of Robin Williams on volumes of suicide-related search queries. Results: Both harmful and helpful search terms increased immediately after the actor's suicide, with a substantial jump of harmful queries. Limitations: The study has limitations (e.g., possible validity threats of the query share measure, use of ambiguous search terms). Conclusion: Online suicide prevention efforts should try to increase online users' awareness of and motivation to seek help, for which Google's own helpline box could play an even more crucial role in the future.

A cross-sectional survey among physicians on Internet use for epilepsy-related information (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Brigo ◽  
Simona Lattanzi ◽  
Giorgia Giussani ◽  
Laura Tassi ◽  
Nicola Pietrafusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND The Internet has become one of the most important sources of health information, accessed daily by an ever-growing number of both patients and physicians, seeking medical advice and clinical guidance. A deeper insight into the current use of the Web as source of information on epilepsy would help in clarifying the individual attitude towards this medium by Internet users. OBJECTIVE We investigated views towards the Internet in a sample of Italian healthcare specialists involved in epilepsy field, to explore factors which explained the influence of information found on the internet. METHODS This study was a self-administered survey conducted in a group of members of the Italian Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in January 2018. RESULTS 184 questionnaires were analyzed. 97.8% of responders reported to seek online information on epilepsy. The Internet was most frequently searched to obtain new information (69.9%) or to confirm a diagnostic or therapeutic decision (37.3%). The influence of consulting the Internet on clinical practice was associated with registration to social network(s) (OR: 2.94; 95%CI: 1.28-6.76; p=0.011), higher frequency of Internet use (OR: 3.66; 95%CI: 1.56-9.21; p=0.006) and higher confidence in reliability of online information (OR: 2.61; 95%CI: 1.09-6.26; p=0.031). No association was found with age, sex, years in epilepsy practice or easiness to find online information. CONCLUSIONS Internet is frequently used among healthcare professionals involved in the epilepsy to obtain information about this disease. The attitude of being influenced by the Internet for diagnostic and/or therapeutic decisions in epilepsy is independent on age and years of experience in epilepsy, and probably reflects an individual approach towards the Web.

scholarly journals The Internet as a source of health-related information among Internet users in the Lodz region, Poland

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 221-224
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Kardas ◽  
Agnieszka Daszyńska ◽  
Małgorzata Koziarska-Rościszewska
Keyword(s):  
The Internet ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Health Related

Students Seeking Health-related Information over Internet

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 352-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asad Ahmad ◽  
Mohammed Naved Khan
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Behavioural Intention ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Related Information ◽  
College Going ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Acceptance Model

The use of Internet to search information related to health has become a common phenomenon. This article investigates the seeking of health-related information of the college going students over the Internet. The researchers have tested the technology acceptance model (TAM) to determine the behavioural intention of the students to seek health-related information over the Internet. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the students who were involved in Internet use. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied to the responded data. The results showed that it is the perceived usefulness (PU) which has a direct impact on the behavioural intention of the Internet users to search health-related information over the Internet.

The fertility- and menopause-related information needs of younger women with a diagnosis of breast cancer: A qualitative study

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 500-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda Thewes ◽  
Bettina Meiser ◽  
Judy Rickard ◽  
Michael Friedlander
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Related Information

scholarly journals University Professional and Managerial Staff: Information Needs and Seeking

1997 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 561-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janie L. Hassard Wilkins ◽  
Gloria J. Leckie
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Report Writing ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Managerial Staff

This study examines the work-related information needed and sought by professional and managerial staff of a large university. Through personal contacts, the Internet, and departmental sources, professional staff are able to readily satisfy many of their daily and short-term work-related information needs with minimal use of the library. However, because their jobs are multifaceted and complex, these staff members frequently are engaged in longer-term activities (such as project development, report writing) requiring more intensive library use, which often is perceived to be frustrating and time-consuming. The implications of these findings for academic libraries are discussed.

Understanding potential communication gaps between oncologists and patients with advanced breast cancer: A survey of oncologists.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 124-124
Author(s):  
Adam Brufsky ◽  
Marc L. Citron ◽  
Deana Percassi
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Advanced Breast ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Survey Results

124 Background: About 232,670 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2014, of which 86,088 (37%) will be metastatic advanced breast cancer (ABC). The 2013 Global Count Us, Know Us, Join Us survey found that 53% of US women with ABC wanted more time to discuss their needs during clinic visits, and 60% believe their cancer treatment options are limited. To better understand unmet patient needs and potential communication gaps with physicians, surveys were developed for women with ABC, their caregivers, and oncologists. The oncologists’ survey results are presented. Methods: The Make Your Dialogue Count survey for oncologists has 32 items. Responses are single or multiple response numeric text or rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Harris Poll conducted this online survey from June through July 2014 among randomly selected, licensed US medical oncologists who treat ≥ 5 women with ABC per month. Responses for geographic region and number of years in practice by sex were weighted to match actual proportions in the population. Results: By July 15, 2014, 228 oncologists responded. At initial diagnosis, showing care and compassion was very important to 79% of oncologists; helping patients cope with diagnosis (62%) and manage cancer symptoms (56%) and discussing expected treatment response (57%) and side effects (51%) were also very important. Most oncologists (88%) revealed that treating women with ABC has a negative emotional toll. Although 81% of oncologists believe it to be unprofessional to let their emotion affect treatment recommendations, 26% reported that their emotions kept them from providing some information. Notably, 31% of oncologists reported that in certain situations, they have not discussed with patients that ABC is incurable. Conclusions: Caring for terminally ill patients has an emotional impact on oncologists. For some, their emotions have influenced what treatments they recommend and what information they impart. Our findings show that oncologists are compassionate and share disease- and treatment-related information and highlight the need to develop communication strategies that facilitate exchange between oncologists and their patients with ABC.

scholarly journals Assessing Unmet Information Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors: Exploratory Study of Online Health Forums Using Text Classification and Retrieval (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan McRoy ◽  
Majid Rastegar-Mojarad ◽  
Yanshan Wang ◽  
Kathryn J. Ruddy ◽  
Tufia C. Haddad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Text Classification ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Automated Content Analysis ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Content Modeling

BACKGROUND Patient education materials given to breast cancer survivors may not be a good fit for their information needs. Needs may change over time, be forgotten, or be misreported, for a variety of reasons. An automated content analysis of survivors' postings to online health forums can identify expressed information needs over a span of time and be repeated regularly at low cost. Identifying these unmet needs can guide improvements to existing education materials and the creation of new resources. OBJECTIVE The primary goals of this project are to assess the unmet information needs of breast cancer survivors from their own perspectives and to identify gaps between information needs and current education materials. METHODS This approach employs computational methods for content modeling and supervised text classification to data from online health forums to identify explicit and implicit requests for health-related information. Potential gaps between needs and education materials are identified using techniques from information retrieval. RESULTS We provide a new taxonomy for the classification of sentences in online health forum data. 260 postings from two online health forums were selected, yielding 4179 sentences for coding. After annotation of data and training alternative one-versus-others classifiers, a random forest-based approach achieved F1 scores from 66% (Other, dataset2) to 90% (Medical, dataset1) on the primary information types. 136 expressions of need were used to generate queries to indexed education materials. Upon examination of the best two pages retrieved for each query, 12% (17/136) of queries were found to have relevant content by all coders, and 33% (45/136) were judged to have relevant content by at least one. CONCLUSIONS Text from online health forums can be analyzed effectively using automated methods. Our analysis confirms that breast cancer survivors have many information needs that are not covered by the written documents they typically receive, as our results suggest that at most a third of breast cancer survivors’ questions would be addressed by the materials currently provided to them.

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