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

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.