Using Google trends to predict birth methods and place: A retrospective analysis of data for Türkiye


Creative Commons License

Özsezer G., Gür Boz A., Mermer G.

Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler ve Eğitim Dergisi - USBED, cilt.6, sa.10, ss.127-144, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

The aim of this research was to make a retrospective analysis of the Google Trends data related to birth methods and place according to the geographical regions of Turkey. The Google Trends data were collected according to six different time series between 01 Jan 2004 - 31 Dec 2022. The data were collected on 26 Jul 2021 from the seven geographical regions of Turkey and across Turkey using the keywords “normal birth”, “cesarean section”, “vaginal birth”, “home birth”, and “water birth”, which are among the methods of delivery. Considering Turkey, geographical regions, and time series, the data analysis was performed using percentages, Ethical permission was not required due to the nature of the study and due to the openness of the data. In all time series, it was seen that the search for “normal birth” was popular in the sample cities selected from Turkey and the seven geographical regions, and that the popularity, however, decreased over time. The Google searches of individuals for their birth preferences and place may vary depending on the cultural structure of the region they live in, cultural interaction, health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic status, COVID-19 restrictions, fear of COVID-19, access to health services.