# Seasonal Variation in Conjunctivitis in Saudi Arabia and Reduction of Searches During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Google Trends Data

## TL;DR

This paper uses Google Trends data to show that conjunctivitis searches in Saudi Arabia follow a seasonal pattern, which was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Contribution

The study reveals a 53.3% drop in conjunctivitis-related searches during the pandemic and a disrupted seasonal trend.

## Key findings

- Conjunctivitis search interest peaks in February and is lowest in August.
- Search volume dropped by 53.3% during the pandemic.
- Seasonal patterns were disrupted during the pandemic.

## Abstract

Analysis of Google Trends data for the Arabic term for “conjunctivitis” found significant seasonality, with the highest interest in February and the lowest in August (P<.001); moreover, during COVID-19 restrictions, relative search volume decreased by 53.3%, with a disruption of the seasonal pattern.