An Infodemiological and Scientometric Analysis of Gestational Diabetes: Exploring the Gap Between User Information-Seeking Patterns and Research Trends in Iran

Extended Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to conduct an infodemiological and scientometric analysis of gestational diabetes based on users' information-seeking behavior and researchers' scientific output. To be more precise, this comprehensive study employed an infodemiological approach to systematically investigate gestational diabetes through a dual analytical framework, examining both public information-seeking patterns and academic research production. The research was designed to bridge the gap between layperson health information needs and scientific knowledge dissemination by simultaneously analyzing real-world search behaviors and scholarly outputs.
Methodology: This was an applied study using an exploratory mixed-methods approach, conducted descriptively and analytically. In the qualitative phase, we conducted in-depth focus group discussions with 12 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, selected through purposive sampling. Through thematic analysis of these discussions, we identified and extracted key search terms and phrases used by participants. The quantitative phase incorporated two parallel analyses: First, we systematically examined search behavior patterns using Google Trends data (from 2015 to 2024) for all identified keywords, analyzing temporal trends and search volumes. Second, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of Iranian-affiliated scientific publications indexed in three well known databased (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) during the same period, tracking publication trends, citation patterns, and research focus areas. All collected data were processed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel for data organization and SPSS (version 26) for statistical analysis, including correlation tests and trend analysis. This dual-phase approach allowed for robust comparison between public information-seeking behaviors and academic research outputs in the field of gestational diabetes.
Findings: Results indicated that the keywords can be categorized into four main themes, including "gestational diabetes," "symptoms and diagnosis," "treatment and nutrition," and "complications." The most frequently searched term was the Persian phrase for "gestational diabetes." While "gestational diabetes" was more popular in 2015–2016, "gestational sugar" gained stability from 2019 onward. Notably, Persian keywords dominated searches, with minimal use of the English term "Gestational diabetes," suggesting that the general public, particularly pregnant women, prefer local terminology over scientific jargon.
Furthemore, the analysis of Google Trends data from 2015 to 2024 revealed a declining trend in searches related to gestational diabetes among Iranian users, contrasting with an initial increase in scientific publications. Iran’s academic output peaked in 2019 but fluctuated afterward. Comparative analysis with Canada and Australia showed that these countries had higher research productivity and more stable or increasing search trends. For instance, Australia led in both search volume for "Gestational diabetes" and scientific publications, while Iran’s declining public interest in online searches did not align with its relatively stable research output.
Finally, the Pearson correlation test was used to examine the relationship between Iranian users’ online search behavior and scientific publications. The results indicated a moderate negative correlation (r = -0.55), but the relationship was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). This suggests that while there may be an inverse trend between public search activity and academic research, the connection is not robust enough to confirm a meaningful association. The disparity highlights a potential gap between public health information needs and the focus of scientific research in Iran.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, it appears that Iranian users rely heavily on Google to meet their information needs about gestational diabetes, yet the scientific research conducted in this field often fails to address these practical concerns. This gap reveals a significant gap in health knowledge translation, where valuable research doesn't effectively reach or respond to the public's most pressing questions.
To address this issue, several measures should be implemented. First, accurate and accessible health information should be made available through local digital platforms, including mobile applications designed specifically for Persian-speaking users and telemedicine services that can provide reliable guidance. Social media channels should also be leveraged to distribute verified content that counters widespread misinformation.
At the research level, scientists and funding institutions should prioritize studies that directly align with the information needs revealed by search trends and user behavior. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical aspects, more applied research is needed to answer the questions that pregnant women and their families are asking online. Additionally, researchers should consider users' information needs as a basis for conducting applied research. Finally, conducting comparative cross-cultural studies and examining the role of social networks in promoting digital health literacy are suggested areas for future research.