# The association between Google Trends suicide-related Internet searches and self-harm hospitalizations and suicide mortality in Canada

## TL;DR

This study explores the link between Google Trends suicide-related searches and hospitalizations and suicide deaths in Canada.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel ecological analysis of Google Trends data in relation to self-harm and suicide outcomes.

## Key findings

- Google Trends searches for suicide-related terms showed weak positive associations with self-harm hospitalizations.
- Multiple suicide-related search terms correlated weakly with suicide mortality in Canada.
- Further research is needed to assess the utility of Google Trends for monitoring self-harm and suicide.

## Abstract

In this ecological study we examined associations between Google Trends (GT) suicide-related Internet searches and intentional self-harm hospitalizations and suicide mortality in Canada from 31 December 2017 to 31 March 2022. Hospitalizations and mortality data were from the Discharge Abstract Database and Vital Statistics - Death database. Cross-correlations identified lead periods, adjusted for in negative binomial regressions. GT of the search term “how to kill yourself” showed weak positive associations with self-harm hospitalizations. GT of the search terms “commit suicide,” “how to commit suicide” and “how to kill yourself” showed weak positive associations with suicide mortality. Additional research is needed to determine the usefulness of GT in monitoring self-harm and suicide.