The Effect of Individuals Health Anxiety On Cyberchondry During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: With the emergence of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) worldwide in recent years, individuals are searching the internet for health-related issues to reduce their anxiety. This study aims to examine the relationship between individuals' health concerns and cyberchondria levels and the effect of health anxiety on the level of cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic process. Materials and Methods: As a data collection tool in the study; The Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short Form, the Health Anxiety Scale, and the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their use of the internet in choosing a physician/hospital, having knowledge about the symptoms of COVID-19, etc. A questionnaire with questions such as: The research was carried out on 384 individuals living in Samsun city center using an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods, correlation and regression analyzes were used in the analysis of the data. The results were evaluated at the 95% confidence interval, at the p