Google Trends Assessment of Keywords Related to Smoking and Smoking Cessation During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 4 European Countries: Retrospective Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Evidence of smoking behavior during the pandemic is ambiguous. Most investigations report an increase in smoking. In this context, Google Trends data monitor real-time public information-seeking behavior and are therefore useful to characterize smoking-related interest over the trajectory of the pandemic.

Objective

This study aimed to use Google Trends data to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on public interest in smoking-related topics with a focus on lockdowns, vaccination campaigns, and incidence.

Methods

The weekly relative search volume was retrieved from Google Trends for England, Germany, Italy, and Spain from December 31, 2017, to April 18, 2021. Data were collected for keywords concer

SUBMITTER: Jagomast T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11653046 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature