A new study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reveals that Americans had more health concerns during the recession. "There were 200 million excess health queries during the Great Recession," says research professor, John W. Ayers.
The team of researchers lead by Ayer examined the Google search patterns of Americans during the recent Great Recession, here defined as December 2008 through 2011. They came up with a list of 343 commonly searched symptoms. Searches for " stomach ulcer symptoms" were found to be 228 percent higher than would be expected and "headache symptoms" were 193 percent higher.
Recession Leads to Adverse Alcohol Outcomes for Men and Middle-Aged Americans
Economic downturns can have adverse health-related consequences, including higher rates of suicide and poorer mental health.
Economic downturns can have adverse health-related consequences, including higher rates of suicide and poorer mental health.
Monitoring health-related search terms is an effective study method that would help public health officers to recognize burgeoning epidemics such as stress-related chest pain and direct resources to help people reduce their stress or take other precautionary measures. It is cheaper, quicker and more efficient than traditional survey methodology.
Most search engines like Google even interpret searches and suggest links to Internet-based treatment options. "The web is a stigma-reducing and cost-reducing venue to reach patients who search for, but do not otherwise receive, treatment because they cannot afford medications or copayments," said Ayer.
Reference: American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2014.
Yummy Mummies Turn into Angry Mums During Recession
An insight by New York University reveals the presence of a gene in mothers that could make them react to pressures in the environment and become a harsh parent.
An insight by New York University reveals the presence of a gene in mothers that could make them react to pressures in the environment and become a harsh parent.
Greeks Turn to Dancing for Respite from Recession Problems
Hundreds of Greeks are turning towards ‘swing’ dancing in order to cope with the struggles of dealing with the problems of recession.
Hundreds of Greeks are turning towards ‘swing’ dancing in order to cope with the struggles of dealing with the problems of recession.
Employees Scared to Take Time Off Work in Recession Period
Today, employees are less likely to ask for benefits or take time off, as they know that many unemployed people want to take their jobs.
Today, employees are less likely to ask for benefits or take time off, as they know that many unemployed people want to take their jobs.
