US recession saw more Google stress searches

Conclusion This research found that there were increased Google searches during the US "Great Recession" between December 2008 and 2011 for a range of health concerns, including headaches, stomach ulcers and other stomach problems, chest pain, heart rhythm problems and various other pains, including back pain and toothache. The researchers consider that this could potentially indicate worsening population health. However, although this is an interesting approach, it is limited by several factors. A person may search Google for information on a health complaint for many different reasons. It does not necessarily mean that a person was experiencing that problem themselves. Even if they were experiencing the general symptom searched for, it cannot tell us what their actual diagnosis was, how long they had been suffering from it, or any associated health problems they had. It certainly cannot tell us what the direct cause was. It is worth pointing out that not everyone with a health problem chooses to search for information about it on Google as a first port of call. Many people may just visit a doctor and obtain related health information through other sources, such as printed literature or media sources other than Google. Although the research has tried to account for increases in overall internet usage with time, including improved internet access or more disposable time, it is still difficult to tell whether this effect has been completely accounted for. This re...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Mental health Medical practice Source Type: news