Health Information-Seeking Behaviors about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on the Internet and the Analysis of Top Ranking Websites

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study analyses the volume of searches conducted using Turkish keywords related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on internet search engines and the content of high-ranking websites in order to identify the interest of the public on ADHD.

Method: The Google AdWords Keyword Planner Tool was used to find out the related Turkish keywords and web sites listed on the first default results pages were analyzed.

Results/Conclusion: Although ADHD is a very common psychiatric disorder, our research reveals that public interest is not parallel with the prevalence of it, particularly with adult ADHD. The websites listed on the first results pages do not contain sufficient information on adult ADHD and only little content on these web pages is written by academicians or supported by scientific references. For a wider and more accurate public recognition of ADHD, academicians and professional practitioners should use the internet more proactively and effectively.

Keywords:

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• internet
• search engine
• consumer health information