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. 2021 Mar 19;11(1):6419.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85873-4.

Exploring the use of web searches for risk communication during COVID-19 in Germany

Kaja Kristensen  1 , Eva Lorenz  2 , Jürgen May  2 , Ricardo Strauss  3
Affiliations

Exploring the use of web searches for risk communication during COVID-19 in Germany

Kaja Kristensen et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Risk communication during pandemics is an element of utmost importance. Understanding the level of public attention-a prerequisite for effective communication-implicates expensive and time-consuming surveys. We hypothesise that the relative search volume from Google Trends could be used as an indicator of public attention of a disease and its prevention measures. The search terms 'RKI' (Robert Koch Institute, national public health authority in Germany), 'corona' and 'protective mask' in German language were shortlisted. Cross-correlations between these terms and the reported cases from 15 February to 27 April were conducted for each German federal state. The findings were contrasted against a timeline of official communications concerning COVID-19. The highest correlations of the term 'RKI' with reported COVID-19 cases were found between lags of - 2 and - 12 days, meaning web searches were already performed from 2 to 12 days before case numbers increased. A similar pattern was seen for the term 'corona'. Cross-correlations indicated that most searches on 'protective mask' were performed from 6 to 12 days after the peak of cases. The results for the term 'protective mask' indicate a degree of confusion in the population. This is supported by conflicting recommendations to wear face masks during the first wave. The relative search volumes could be a useful tool to provide timely and location-specific information on public attention for risk communication.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Nationally reported COVID-19 cases and RSV for the search term ‘corona’ at state level.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Nationally reported COVID-19 cases and RSV for the search term ‘RKI’ at state level.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Nationally reported COVID-19 cases and RSV for the search term ‘protective mask’ at state level.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Cross-correlation coefficients displaying the linear association between the RSV of the term ‘corona’ and officially reported COVID-19 cases.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Cross-correlation coefficients displaying the linear association between the RSV of the term ‘RKI’ and officially reported COVID-19 cases.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Cross-correlation coefficients displaying the linear association between the RSV of the term ‘protective mask’ and officially reported COVID-19 cases.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Timeline of communication milestones from 15 February to 27 April 2020.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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