Resumen

IGLESIAS-OSORES, Sebastián  y  SAAVEDRA-CAMACHO, Johnny Leandro. Web search trends in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2020, vol.57  Epub 01-Sep-2021. ISSN 1561-3003.

The purpose of the present communication is to describe the use of Google Trends to measure web searches for terms associated to the COVID-19 pandemic in different regions of Peru and its potential to conduct health research. Measurements were taken of the trend of web searches for the terms "COVID", "handwashing", "facemasks", "distancing" and "SARS-CoV-2" in the period extending from 27 February to 27 May 2020. Google Trends data were applied to a number of the key word searches examined, and results were analyzed according to specific geographic locations and definite time periods. For the terms "COVID" and "handwashing" the region of greatest interest was Huancavelica with 100 searches for each term. For the term "facemasks" the Amazonas Region stood out, also with 100 searches. A similar situation was observed in Moquegua and Puno for the terms "distancing" and "SARS-CoV-2", respectively. A strong correlation was found between "COVID", "facemasks" and "distancing", and the number of COVID-19 cases in Peru. The same applies, though with a slightly positive correlation, to "SARS-CoV-2" and "handwashing". Google Trends could also potentially define the appropriate moment and location to implement risk communication strategies intended for the populations affected. Adequate risk communication may help prevent the excessive amount of information in circulation, which often causes disquiet or panic in those populations.

Palabras clave : Google Trends; risk communication; COVID-19; Peru.

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