Global and Regional Online Search Trends for the Indian Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: A Google Trends Study
Vishnu Mangalamchery, N. A. UvaisAbstract
Background:
Public awareness is vital for the effective implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017, in India. Online information-seeking behavior serves as a valuable proxy for evaluating public interest and societal engagement with healthcare policies.
Aim:
This study aimed to analyze global and regional online search trends related to the MHCA 2017 using Google Trends data to understand patterns of public interest over time.
Methods:
Utilizing an infodemiological approach, relative search volume (RSV) data for the search term “Mental Healthcare Act 2017” were retrieved globally and within India from April 2017 to May 2026. Temporal patterns, peaks, and regional variations were analyzed descriptively.
Results:
Worldwide search interest showed fluctuating trends, peaking in December 2025 (RSV = 100). Regionally, India demonstrated the highest search volume (RSV = 100), followed by South Africa (RSV = 83). Within India, substantial regional disparities were observed; northeastern states and union territories demonstrated marked engagement, with Sikkim recording the highest search interest (RSV = 100), followed by Meghalaya (RSV = 76) and Puducherry (RSV = 57).
Conclusion:
Online public interest in the MHCA 2017 is dynamic and heavily influenced by localized institutional initiatives, public health challenges, and state-level policy developments. Google Trends offers a potent tool for real-time tracking of public policy engagement, though further empirical studies are required to correlate digital search metrics with actual statutory literacy.