Online information seeking on disability and injury in Türkiye: A Google trends analysis

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare online information search behaviors regarding the concepts of "disability" and "injury" in Türkiye, using Google Trends data, in terms of time, geography, and content.

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective and descriptive infodemiological study, relative search volume (RSV) data of web searches conducted in Türkiye in the "Health" category between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, were examined.

Results: The weekly mean RSV value for the term “injury” was found to be 58.49 ± 19.40, and the value for the term "disability" was 8.09 ± 18.62. Reportable search interest was detected for injury in 51 weeks and 22 provinces, and for disability in 10 weeks and 9 provinces. Relative interest in injury was found to be higher in all nine provinces where both terms could be measured. When the relevant queries were examined, it was seen that disability searches focused on basic concepts, regulations, and patient rights; while injury searches focused on clinical and legal issues such as blunt and penetrating injury and the Turkish Penal Code.

Conclusions: The results show that the online information search regarding injury is more persistent and widespread than that regarding disability; and that there is a need for understandable, reliable, up-to-date, and accessible digital health content in both areas.