Addiction to medical websites post COVID-19 pandemic: A predictor of Illness Anxiety Disorder among Arabian youth

Abstract

Abstract Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted every region of the world. During these unprecedented times, individuals have been experiencing severe mental health issues concerning excessive internet usage. Methods This study examined he relationship between addiction to medical websites and behaviors related to Illness Anxiety Disorder among a population of Arabic university students. A sample consisting of N = 368 youths was examined. Results Statistical analysis was conducted in the form of bivariate linear regression, Z score, R2, t-test, ANOVA, mean and standard deviation. Results: The analysis results found a linear equation predicting illness anxiety among youths. The correlation between the addiction to medical websites and hypochondria was found as 0.69. Conclusions Findings supported the notion that addiction to medical websites significantly predicts hypochondria.