A correlation study to assess the level of cyberchondria and health anxiety among adults of silvassa, DNH and DD with a view to develop an informational module

Abstract

Background: In the digital era, access to medical information has become more readily available than ever before. The internet, with its vast array of health-related content, provides users with unprecedented opportunities to research medical symptoms, conditions, and treatments. Aim: The study was aimed at assessing the correlation between the level of cyberchondria and health anxiety among adults. Methods: This correlational study was conducted among adults selected by a convenient sampling technique and used modified CSS-12 and SHAI-14 as self-administered tools for data collection. Result: Among 388 respondents, age, gender, marital status, and income were having a significant association with the level of cyberchondria, and the same variables were not having a significant association with health anxiety. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation analysis reflected a highly positive correlation between level of cyberchondria and health anxiety. Conclusion: As health anxiety is having a negative effect on the level of cyberchondria, preventive measures should be used by healthcare providers for the better mental health of the adults.

Keywords: Level of Cyberchondria, Health Anxiety.