Sharing of Research Knowledge by the Research Subcommittee

 

The article “Detecting influenza epidemics using search engine query data” was used to show the application of “Big Data” analysis in the field of infectious disease epidemiology. “Big Data” for public health perspectives becomes possible to devise a responsive and speedy surveillance system for monitoring infectious disease outbreak by using this innovative idea and information technology.

 

Objective of the study:

To detect influenza epidemics using search engine query data.

 

Method:

An innovative methodology combining machine learning technique and statistical modeling to analyze large numbers of Google search queries was developed in order to estimate the trend of physician visit in a particular region related to influenza-like illness (ILI).

 

Sampling:

Aggregation of historical logs of online web search queries and automated method of selecting ILI-related search queries submitted between 2003 and 2008.

 

Measurement:

Number of ILI-related search queries within a defined time period in a particular region

 

Data analysis:

The random search ILI-related query submitted from the same region as determined by an automated method was used as a single explanatory variable; a linear model using the log-odds of an ILI physician visit and the log-odds of an ILI-related search query was developed.

 

We are happy to share the article on the application of “Big Data” analysis in the field of infectious disease epidemiology with members of The Hong Kong Society for Public Health Nursing. Those interested are welcomed to contact us at info@hksphn.org.hk.

 

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