Seasonal Variation in Public Interest in Gout: Longitudinal Infodemiology Study Using Google Trends (2014-2024).

ABSTRACT: Gout, the most common inflammatory arthritis worldwide, shows clear seasonal variation in flares. Traditional epidemiology provides important insights but often lacks real-time resolution. Digital behavior, such as online search patterns, offers a scalable, timely complement that can capture seasonal trends in disease-related activity. This study aimed to determine whether public interest in gout, as expressed through Google (Google LLC) search queries, exhibits seasonal variation across countries, US states, and metropolitan areas, and to assess the influence of symptom- and language-specific search terms. We evaluated whether a bimodal (semiannual) seasonal pattern better described certain queries, providing further insight into complex behavioral rhythms. We retrieved monthly Google Tre

SUBMITTER: Schlesinger N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12387374 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature