Utilizing Baidu Index to Investigate Seasonality, Spatial Distribution and Public Attention of Dry Eye Diseases in Chinese Mainland

PURPOSE: To explore the characteristics of spatial-temporal prevalence and public attention of dry eye diseases (DED) through Baidu Index (BI) based on infodemiology method. METHODS: The data about BI of DED were collected from Baidu search engine using “Dry eye diseases” as keyword. The spatial and temporal distribution of DED were analyzed through timeseries data decomposition as well as spatial autocorrelation and hotspot detection of BI about DED. The most popular related words and demographic characteristics were recorded to determine the public attention of DED. RESULTS: The trends of BI about DED in Chinese mainland had gradually increased over time with a rapid increase from 2012 to 2014 and in 2018. The results of timeseries decomposition indicated that there was seasonality in the distribution of BI about DED with the peak in winter, especially in northern regions. The geographic distribution demonstrated the search activities of DED was highest in the east of Chinese mainland while lowest in the west. The vast majority of people searching for DED were teenagers (20–29 years), with a predominance of females. Glaucoma, keratitis and conjunctivitis were the diseases most often confused with DED, and the artificial tears were the most common treatment for DED in Chinese mainland according to the BI about DED. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis revealed the seasonality, geographic hotspots and public concern of DED through BI in Chinese mainland, which provided new insights into the epidemiology of DED.