Using internet search data to predict new HIV diagnoses in China: a modelling study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Internet data are important sources of abundant information regarding HIV epidemics and risk factors. A number of case studies found an association between internet searches and outbreaks of infectious diseases, including HIV. In this research, we examined the feasibility of using search query data to predict the number of new HIV diagnoses in China.

Design

We identified a set of search queries that are associated with new HIV diagnoses in China. We developed statistical models (negative binomial generalised linear model and its Bayesian variants) to estimate the number of new HIV diagnoses by using data of search queries (Baidu) and official statistics (for the entire country and for Guangdong province) for 7 years (2010 to 2016).

Results

Search query data

SUBMITTER: Zhang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6196849 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature