The impact of health anxiety and distrust in the healthcare system on cyberchondria: a cross-sectional study

Author:

Soyler Sait1,Cavmak Seyda2,Cavmak Dogancan1

Affiliation:

1. Vocational School of Healthcare Services, Tarsus University, Mersin, Turkey

2. Vocational School, Cag University, Mersin, Turkey

Abstract

Background/AimsCyberchondria is when excessive internet searches for health-related issues, a common phenomenon likely fuelled by health anxiety and distrust in healthcare systems, leads to unfounded concerns about physical health. This can prevent individuals from seeking appropriate medical advice when needed. This study explored the relationship between health anxiety, distrust in the healthcare system and cyberchondria.MethodsThis cross-sectional quantitative study used a questionnaire to collect data from adults living in cities in southern Turkey. A total of 484 questionnaires were sent using Google Forms and distributed via email and social media, with 386 returned. Respondents rated items on 4- and 5-point Likert scales. The data were summarised using descriptive statistics and analysed using inferential statistics and structural equation modeling.ResultsThere were significant positive correlations between health anxiety and cyberchondria (β=0.514) and distrust in the healthcare system and cyberchondria (β=0.283). There were also weak but significant positive relationships between cyberchondria and female sex, having a chronic condition and time spent online.ConclusionsHealth anxiety and lack of trust for the healthcare system can lead to increased rates of cyberchondria. Effective public health communication strategies are needed to reduce these effects by building trust in the healthcare system and alleviating health anxiety.

Publisher

Mark Allen Group

Subject

Health Policy,Leadership and Management

Cited by 1 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3