Baidu COVID-19 Epidemic Index Dataset: Tracking Public Health Interest and Inquiries in China (November 26, 2022 - January 25, 2023 and May 6, 2023 - July 4, 2023)
Description
This dataset, released by Baidu Inc. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is similar to the Baidu Index and is referred to as the "Epidemic Index." It includes data from November 26, 2022, to January 25, 2023, and from May 6, 2023, to July 4, 2023, covering 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, along with aggregated national data. The Baidu Epidemic Search Index (BESI) is generated based on the online medical search behavior of internet users. It reflects the degree of interest and ongoing changes in searches related to COVID-19 symptoms, preventive measures, and medical supplies by local internet users on the Baidu search engine. The Baidu Health Inquiry Index (BHII) is derived from online medical consultation behavior, modeled on the scale of local internet users' inquiries on Baidu Health regarding pandemic prevention and COVID-19 treatment.