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Fang J, Qiu C, Sun Z, Zhou J, He P, Conti A, Lu Y, Huang X, Xu J, Tang W. A national survey of pandemic fear and cyberchondria after ending zero-COVID policy: The chain mediating role of alexithymia and psychological distress. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 133:152505. [PMID: 38852302 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than half the domestic population in China were infected with COVID-19 in two months after ending "zero-infection policy", which severely overwhelmed frontline healthcare providers with stress and fear. However, there is no study to date investigating the associations between nurses' fear of pandemic and cyberchondria. This study aimed to 1) investigate the correlations between fear pandemic and cyberchondria among frontline nurses, and 2) discover its potential mechanism. METHODS A cross-sectional sample of frontline nurses (N = 8161) was recruited from 98 hospitals across China in February 2023. Participants were invited to complete an online, self-rated standardized questionnaire focused on pandemic fear, alexithymia, psychological distress, and cyberchondria. Environmental, clinical and socioeconomic information were collected for adjustment while conducting chain mediation analysis. RESULTS When other covariates were controlled, it was found that fear of the pandemic significantly contributed to cyberchondria (b = 0.58, 95%CI [0.56, 0.60], p < .001). The chain mediation model suggested that both alexithymia and psychological distress were mediating factors between pandemic fear and cyberchondria. CONCLUSIONS The higher the perceived fear, the greater the cyberchondria, which suggests that reducing fear about the pandemic and providing adequate support could reduce the incidence of cyberchondria. As alexithymia and psychological distress may be transdiagnostic mechanisms between fear and cyberchondria, targeted interventions focused on expression dysregulation and emotional identification could be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Fang
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changjian Qiu
- Mental health Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zeyuan Sun
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Leshan People's Hospital, Leshan, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Nursing, Jianyang People's Hospital, Jiangyang, China
| | - Aldo Conti
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Disaster Reconstruction and Disaster Management, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; School of Business Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Huang
- Mental health Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiuping Xu
- School of Business Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wanjie Tang
- West China of Public Health School, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Pezzi M, Zagaria A, Miguel-Alvaro A, Gámez-Guadix M, Gori A, Santoro G, Musetti A. Maladaptive daydreaming and problematic online behaviors: A network analysis approach. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 177:314-320. [PMID: 39067255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Previous evidence showed that Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is positively associated with different Problematic Online Behaviors (POBs). This study aimed to investigate the mutual relationship between MD and several POBs. Data were collected from 1209 participants, aged 18-73 (M = 30.59, SD = 12.26), through self-report questionnaires assessing MD and POBs, including problematic online gambling, problematic online gaming, problematic cybersex, Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU), problematic online shopping, and cyberchondria. Two psychometric network analyses were performed to examine the associations between all POBs at item levels, and between MD and POBs at construct levels. Results revealed six distinct communities, supporting the specificity of each POB. Furthermore, MD was found to be more strongly associated with PSMU and cyberchondria, and weakly associated with problematic online gaming, problematic cybersex, and problematic online shopping. The mutual relationships between MD and POBs might have relevant implications for the assessment and treatment of these clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Pezzi
- University of Parma - Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Zagaria
- Sapienza University of Rome - Department of Psychology, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Manuel Gámez-Guadix
- Autonomous University of Madrid - Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alessio Gori
- University of Florence - Department of Health Sciences, Florence, Italy; Integrative Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Institute (IPPI), Florence, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Santoro
- University of Parma - Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Musetti
- University of Parma - Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy.
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Xu RH, Chen C. Moderating Effect of Coping Strategies on the Association Between the Infodemic-Driven Overuse of Health Care Services and Cyberchondria and Anxiety: Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e53417. [PMID: 38593427 DOI: 10.2196/53417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a substantial increase in health information, which has, in turn, caused a significant rise in cyberchondria and anxiety among individuals who search for web-based medical information. To cope with this information overload and safeguard their mental well-being, individuals may adopt various strategies. However, the effectiveness of these strategies in mitigating the negative effects of information overload and promoting overall well-being remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of coping strategies on the relationship between the infodemic-driven misuse of health care and depression and cyberchondria. The findings could add a new dimension to our understanding of the psychological impacts of the infodemic, especially in the context of a global health crisis, and the moderating effect of different coping strategies on the relationship between the overuse of health care and cyberchondria and anxiety. METHODS The data used in this study were obtained from a cross-sectional web-based survey. A professional survey company was contracted to collect the data using its web-based panel. The survey was completed by Chinese individuals aged 18 years or older without cognitive problems. Model parameters of the relationships between infodemic-driven overuse of health care, cyberchondria, and anxiety were analyzed using bootstrapped partial least squares structural equation modeling. Additionally, the moderating effects of coping strategies on the aforementioned relationships were also examined. RESULTS A total of 986 respondents completed the web-based survey. The mean scores of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Cyberchondria Severity Scale-12 were 8.4 (SD 3.8) and 39.7 (SD 7.5), respectively. The mean score of problem-focused coping was higher than those of emotion- and avoidant-focused coping. There was a significantly positive relationship between a high level of infodemic and increased overuse of health care (bootstrapped mean 0.21, SD 0.03; 95% CI 0.1581-0.271). The overuse of health care resulted in more severe cyberchondria (bootstrapped mean 0.107, SD 0.032) and higher anxiety levels (bootstrapped mean 0.282, SD 0.032) in all the models. Emotion (bootstrapped mean 0.02, SD 0.008 and 0.037, SD 0.015)- and avoidant (bootstrapped mean 0.026, SD 0.009 and 0.049, SD 0.016)-focused coping strategies significantly moderated the relationship between the overuse of health care and cyberchondria and that between the overuse of health care and anxiety, respectively. Regarding the problem-based model, the moderating effect was significant for the relationship between the overuse of health care and anxiety (bootstrapped mean 0.007, SD 0.011; 95% CI 0.005-0.027). CONCLUSIONS This study provides empirical evidence about the impact of coping strategies on the relationship between infodemic-related overuse of health care services and cyberchondria and anxiety. Future research can build on the findings of this study to further explore these relationships and develop and test interventions aimed at mitigating the negative impact of the infodemic on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Huan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Caiyun Chen
- Nanjing Academy of Administration, Nanjing, China
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El-Zoghby SM, Zaghloul NM, Tawfik AM, Elsherbiny NM, Shehata SA, Soltan EM. Cyberchondria and smartphone addiction: A correlation survey among undergraduate medical students in Egypt. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2024; 99:7. [PMID: 38565743 PMCID: PMC10987454 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-024-00154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increase in smartphone usage globally. Cyberchondria (CYB) is characterized by excessive Internet searches for health information. Smartphone addiction is constantly rising among medical students together with CYB as a collateral emerging risk, yet there is limited research available on the topic. METHODS This cross-sectional study explores the rising phenomenon of smartphone addiction and its potential role in CYB among medical students in seven Egyptian universities. A total of 1435 medical students participated in completing online questionnaires that assessed smartphone addiction and CYB using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12). Multivariable regression analysis was applied to assess predictors of smartphone addiction and CYB. RESULTS Based on the used scales, 57.6% of students were suffering from smartphone addiction, and 85.8% exhibited a moderate degree of CYB. There was a significant positive correlation between smartphone addiction scores and CYB (p < 0.05). The multivariable regression models revealed that four factors including using Facebook, using WhatsApp, increasing time spent on the Internet per day, and a higher CYB score increase the probability of smartphone addiction. The factors that increase the probability of CYB are using Facebook, an increase in the frequency of Internet searches, a higher degree of worry about one's health or a family member's health, and being a smartphone addict. CONCLUSION Smartphone addiction among undergraduate medical students is prevalent. Social media use, time spent online, and smartphone addiction were linked with the risk of CYB. Regular physical activity decreases the probability of smartphone addiction. Awareness programs and increased mental and physical activities are required to help reduce smartphone addiction among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safaa M El-Zoghby
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Nancy M Zaghloul
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Misr University for Science and Technology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayat M Tawfik
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Port-Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Noura M Elsherbiny
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa A Shehata
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Enayat M Soltan
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Agrawal V, Khulbe Y, Singh A, Kar SK. The digital health dilemma: Exploring cyberchondria, well-being, and smartphone addiction in medical and non-medical undergraduates. Indian J Psychiatry 2024; 66:256-262. [PMID: 39100122 PMCID: PMC11293281 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_570_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The Internet is a popular source of health information, but too much research can cause anxiety (cyberchondria). Medical and non-medical personnel interpret information differently, leading to varying rates of cyberchondria. Smartphone addiction may also contribute to cyberchondria and impact mental health. Methods The study was an epidemiological survey-based investigation with a cross-sectional design involving undergraduate students (aged 18 years or older) from Indian universities or colleges. The study utilized the Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short Form (CSS-12), WHO-5 well-being index, and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Results A total of 1033 participants (53.1% females and 46.4% males) were recruited in the survey. Of the participants, 58.5% were pursuing medical or paramedical courses, while the remaining 41.5% belonged to the non-medical group. High-severity cyberchondria was present in about 4.4% of the students. The medical cohort demonstrated a significantly lower cumulative CSS in comparison to the non-medical cohort (t = - 3.90; P < 0.01). Smartphone addiction was observed in 57.2% of individuals in the medical group and 55.9% of individuals in the non-medical group (P = 0.68). Medical students had a significantly lower mean well-being score compared to non-medical students (58.4 vs. 59.6; P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between cyberchondria severity and smartphone addiction, which was consistent across both groups. Conclusion Medical students have less cyberchondria than non-medical students. Cyberchondria severity is linked to smartphone addiction. Non-medical students with cyberchondria have higher subjective well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhor Agrawal
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yashita Khulbe
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amit Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sujita K. Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Fang S, Mushtaque I. The Moderating Role of Health Literacy and Health Promoting Behavior in the Relationship Among Health Anxiety, Emotional Regulation, and Cyberchondria. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:51-62. [PMID: 38196775 PMCID: PMC10775698 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s446448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background People are increasingly turning to the internet to find answers to their health concerns in an era where there is a wealth of online health information, which frequently causes increased health anxiety and the phenomenon known as cyberchondria. The objectives of this study were to examine the moderating role of health literacy and health promotion behavior and the mediating role of emotional regulation between health anxiety and cyberchondria among the Pakistani population. Methods The study used a self-administered questionnaire to collect and examine health anxiety, emotional regulation, health literacy, health promotion behavior, and cyberchondria in 755 residents. A moderated mediation model of Hayes PROCESS was used to examine this hypothesis. Results The findings unveiled the average score of the participants on the study variables, as well as their categorization into low, moderate, and high categories. On scale of Health Anxiety participant scores (32% vs 53% vs 15%), Emotional Regulation (25% vs 46% vs 29%), Cyberchondria (18% vs 41% vs 41%), Health Literacy (56% vs 29% vs 15%), and Health promotion Behavior (49% vs 28% vs 23%). Moreover, result revealed that emotional regulation mediates the significant positive association between health anxiety and cyberchondria (β=0.25**p<0.001). Furthermore, health literacy moderates the negative association health anxiety and emotional regulation (β=-0.42*p<0.031), and health promotion behavior also negatively moderate the relationship between emotional regulation and cyberchondria (β=-0.27*p<0.22). Conclusion Based on the findings, it is recommended that health policymakers consider comprehensive national initiatives that focus on educational planning. These initiatives should boost health literacy levels and promote health-related behavior. Additionally, there is urgent need for strict measures to be put in place for monitoring online platforms and websites that spread inaccurate or false health-related information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghu Fang
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Iqra Mushtaque
- Department of Psychology, University of Layyah, Layyah, Pakistan
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Robles-Mariños R, Alvarado GF, Maguiña JL, Bazo-Alvarez JC. The short-form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12): Adaptation and validation of the Spanish version in young Peruvian students. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292459. [PMID: 37796833 PMCID: PMC10553310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyberchondria is defined as the increase in health-related anxiety or anguish associated with excessive or repeated online searches for health-related information. Our objective was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the CSS-12 scale for Peruvian Spanish speakers, to determine whether the Bifactor model works as well in our population as in previous studies' and to explore whether the Bifactor-ESEM is a more suitable model. METHODS We performed a cultural adaptation using the Delphi method and a validation study on medical students between 2018 and 2019. Reliability was evaluated by using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's omega (Ω) for internal consistency, and Pearson's r and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), for test-retest reliability. We evaluated construct validity by contrasting four measurement models for the CSS-12 and the convergent validity against health anxiety. RESULTS The Spanish CSS-12 showed excellent reliability (α = .93; Ω = .93; ICC = .93; r = .96). The Bifactor ESEM model showed the best fit, supporting a unidimensional measure of the general cyberchondria. This measure was positively associated with health anxiety (r = .51). CONCLUSIONS The Spanish CSS-12 provides a valid and reliable unidimensional measure of cyberchondria, which is distinguishable from the more general health anxiety. This can be applied to similar populations and future research. The Bifactor-ESEM model appears to offer a more accurate and realistic representation of the multifaceted nature of cyberchondria. We provide a free-to-use form of the Spanish CSS-12 as supplemental material.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Germán F. Alvarado
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Lima, Peru
| | - Jorge L. Maguiña
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Lima, Peru
| | - Juan Carlos Bazo-Alvarez
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
- Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
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Starcevic V, Eslick GD, Viswasam K, Billieux J, Gainsbury SM, King DL, Berle D. Problematic online behaviors and psychopathology in Australia. Psychiatry Res 2023; 327:115405. [PMID: 37557057 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to ascertain frequency rates and predictors of six problematic online behaviors (POBs) in an Australian sample. Participants (N = 1626) completed instruments measuring problematic online gaming, cyberchondria, problematic cybersex, problematic online shopping, problematic use of social networking sites, problematic online gambling, anxiety, depression and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Each POB was presumed to be present based on the cut-off score on the corresponding instrument and at least one indicator of interference with functioning. Generalized linear model analyses were used to determine socio-demographic and psychopathological predictors of each POB. The most common POB was problematic online shopping (12.2%), followed by problematic online gambling (11.4%), problematic use of social networking sites (6.0%), problematic cybersex (5.3%), problematic online gaming (5.2%) and cyberchondria (4.6%). Age group 27-36 had the highest rates of POBs. The intensity of ADHD symptoms predicted all POBs, whereas younger age predicted all POBs except for problematic cybersex and online gambling. Female gender predicted lower scores on the measures of problematic online gaming and cybersex. These findings have implications for age- and gender-adapted education, prevention and treatment efforts and suggest that specific POBs should be investigated separately instead of lumping them together under the umbrella terms such as "Internet addiction".
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladan Starcevic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Nepean Clinical School, Specialty of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Nepean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 63, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
| | - Guy D Eslick
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Digestive Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirupamani Viswasam
- Nepean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 63, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sally M Gainsbury
- Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel L King
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David Berle
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Hallit S, Rogoza R, Abi Semaan C, Azzi V, Sawma T, Obeid S. Validation of the Arabic version of the cyberchondria severity scale 12 items (CSS-12-Ar) among a sample of Lebanese adults. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:618. [PMID: 37612590 PMCID: PMC10463298 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05123-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To the best of our knowledge, the Cyberchondria Severity Scale-12 (CSS-12) has not been translated into Arabic; therefore, our objective was to assess the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the CSS (CSS-12-Ar) among a sample of Lebanese adults. METHODS Participants were enrolled in January 2021. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out using the MPlus software v.7.2, reporting several goodness-of-fit indicators: Relative Chi-square (χ2/df), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and Tucker Lewis Index (TLI). To evaluate measurement invariance across gender, we conducted higher-order multiple group confirmatory analysis using lavaan software. RESULTS 449 participants enrolled in this study (mean age: 24.34 ± 8.22 years, 70.6% females). Since the correlations between the four-factor model were very high (r > 0.8), we ran the higher-order CFA in which all first-order latent variables were loading a general factor. The analyzed model was well-fitted to the data χ2(50) = 173.34; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.926; RMSEA = 0.074 [0.062, 0.086]. The Cronbach's alpha values were good for the total score (0.92), as well as for excessiveness (0.80), distress (0.77), reassurance (0.81) and compulsion (0.76). The results provided evidence of full scalar invariance across gender. The comparison of latent mean scores revealed no significant differences across gender, in either the cyberchondria total score or its facets. The CSS-12 score was positively associated with anxiety (r = 0.10; p = 0.003) (convergent validity), OCD (r = 0.11; p = 0.016) and stress (r = 0.35; p < 0.001) (concurrent validity). CONCLUSION The CSS-12-Ar was deemed a suitable scale to measure the severity of cyberchondria among Lebanese university students. We hope that researchers and clinicians can benefit now from this scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Radosław Rogoza
- University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Social Innovation Chair, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Carl Abi Semaan
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Vanessa Azzi
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Toni Sawma
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
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Błachnio A, Przepiórka A, Kot P, Cudo A, McElroy E. The mediating role of rumination between stress appraisal and cyberchondria. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 238:103946. [PMID: 37499622 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyberchondria, defined as excessive concern about one's health and looking for solutions to health problems on the Internet, is becoming increasingly common. This paper examines the relations between the dimensions of stress appraisal (threat, challenge-activity, challenge-passivity, harm/loss) and cyberchondria. We also tested whether these relations were mediated by rumination. The study included a nonclinical sample of N = 615 participants aged 18 to 83 years (M = 43.86, SD = 14.57, 53 % women), who completed the short version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, the Rumination Scale, and the Stress Appraisal Questionnaire. We used the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method. The results revealed that rumination was a partial mediator between stress as a threat and cyberchondria and between stress as a harm/loss and cyberchondria. Cyberchondria was positively related to rumination, stress as a threat, and stress as a harm/loss and negatively related to the challenge-activity dimension of stress appraisal. The study indicates that stress appraisal is linked to cyberchondria and that rumination plays an important role in this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paweł Kot
- The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Cudo
- The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland
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Zheng H, Chen X, Jiang S, Sun L. How does health information seeking from different online sources trigger cyberchondria? The roles of online information overload and information trust. Inf Process Manag 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ipm.2023.103364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
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Zhu X, Zheng T, Ding L, Zhang X. Exploring associations between eHealth literacy, cyberchondria, online health information seeking and sleep quality among university students: A cross-section study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17521. [PMID: 37408886 PMCID: PMC10319213 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background University students are increasingly inclined to use the Internet for health-related purposes, and their sleep problems are becoming increasingly prominent. Currently, the relationship between sleep quality and online health-related searches is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to exam the associations of sleep quality, Internet use, eHealth literacy, online health information seeking and cyberchondria in the sample of Chinese university students. Methods A total of 2744 students completed self-reported questionnaires online containing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), eHealth Literacy Scale, Online Health Information Seeking, Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) and questions regarding sleep duration, Internet use, health status, and demographic information. Results The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI >7) among the university students was 19.9% and 15.6% students slept less than 7 h per day. As time spent on online daily and playing phone before bed increased, the prevalence of sleep disturbance gained. Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with cyberchondria (OR = 1.545, p = 0.001), health status [good (OR = 0.625, p = 0.039), poor (OR = 3.128, p = 0.010), and fair (OR = 1.932, p = 0.001)]. Sleep quality, online health information seeking and eHealth literacy positively influenced with cyberchondria. Compared to 7-8 h sleep duration, online health information seeking (OR = 0.750, p = 0.012) was significantly associated with ≥8 h sleep duration. Conclusion Our findings highlighted poor health status, too much time spent on online daily and high cyberchondria level might decrease sleep quality in the sample of Chinese university students, further suggesting the need for developing interventions based on online health-related searches for improving sleep quality among university students.
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Vujić A, Volarov M, Latas M, Demetrovics Z, Kiraly O, Szabo A. Are Cyberchondria and Intolerance of Uncertainty Related to Smartphone Addiction? Int J Ment Health Addict 2023:1-19. [PMID: 37363761 PMCID: PMC10155650 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-023-01054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Smartphones are a medium for performing online activities, and one such activity could be the compulsive online health information search - cyberchondria. This study aimed to test whether cyberchondria and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) positively predict smartphone addiction (SA), adjusted for age, gender, daily use duration, the reason for using smartphones, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The sample consisted of 471 adults (55.2% women) from the general population without chronic diseases (Mage = 38.67). Regression analysis showed that IU was a positive predictor of SA (β = .17, p < .001), as well as cyberchondria (β = .14, p < .001), which had a unique contribution to the explanation of SA, relative to IU. Other significant predictors were average daily smartphone use and entertainment use, the latter being the strongest predictor in the model. These results revealed cyberchondria as a unique predictor of SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Vujić
- Doctoral School of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marija Volarov
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Sport and Psychology, Educons University, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Milan Latas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Orsolya Kiraly
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Szabo
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Yıldız M, Demirhan A, Gökçay G, Polat F. The relationship between cyberchondria levels, attitudes towards menopause and menopausal complaints of women in the climacteric period: Analysis with data mining. WOMENS STUDIES INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2023.102701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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15
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Infanti A, Starcevic V, Schimmenti A, Khazaal Y, Karila L, Giardina A, Flayelle M, Hedayatzadeh Razavi SB, Baggio S, Vögele C, Billieux J. Predictors of Cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study using supervised machine learning. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e42206. [PMID: 36947575 PMCID: PMC10170364 DOI: 10.2196/42206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyberchondria is characterized by repeated and compulsive online searches for health information, resulting in increased health anxiety and distress. It has been conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct fueled by both anxiety and compulsivity-related factors and described as a "transdiagnostic compulsive behavioral syndrome" which is associated with health anxiety, problematic internet use and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Cyberchondria is not included in the ICD-11 or the DSM-5, and its defining features, etiological mechanisms and assessment continue to be debated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate changes in the severity of cyberchondria during the pandemic and identify predictors of cyberchondria at this time. METHODS Data collection started on May 4, 2020 and ended on June 10, 2020, which corresponds to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. At the time the present study took place, French-speaking countries in Europe (France, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg) all implemented lockdown or semi-lockdown measures. The survey consisted of a questionnaire collecting demographic information (sex, age, education level and country of residence) and information on socioeconomic circumstances during the first lockdown (e.g., economic situation, housing and employment status), and was followed by several instruments assessing various psychological and health-related constructs. Inclusion criteria for the study were being at least 18 years of age and having a good understanding of French. Self-report data were collected from 725 participants aged 18 to 77 years (mean 33.29, SD 12.88 years), with females constituting the majority (416/725, 57.4%). RESULTS The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic affected various facets of cyberchondria: cyberchondria-related distress and interference with functioning increased (distress z=-3.651, P<.001; compulsion z=-5.697, P<.001), whereas the reassurance facet of cyberchondria decreased (z=-6.680, P<.001). Also, COVID-19-related fears and health anxiety emerged as the strongest predictors of cyberchondria-related distress and interference with functioning during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cyberchondria and identify factors that should be considered in efforts to prevent and manage cyberchondria at times of public health crises. Also, they are consistent with the theoretical model of cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic proposed by Starcevic and his colleagues in 2020. In addition, the findings have implications for the conceptualization and future assessment of cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Infanti
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Maison des Sciences Humaines 11,Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, LU
| | - Vladan Starcevic
- Department of Psychiatry, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, AU
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, Nepean Clinical School, Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, AU
| | | | - Yasser Khazaal
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, CH
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal, Montreal, CA
| | - Laurent Karila
- Centre d'Enseignement, de Recherche et de Traitement des Addictions, Hôpital Universitaire Paul Brousse (AP-HP), Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, FR
| | | | - Maèva Flayelle
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, CH
| | | | - Stéphanie Baggio
- Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Thônex, CH
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, CH
| | - Claus Vögele
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Maison des Sciences Humaines 11,Porte des Sciences, Esch-sur-Alzette, LU
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, CH
- Center for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, CH
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16
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Eşkisu M, Çam Z, Boysan M. Health-Related Cognitions and Metacognitions Indirectly Contribute to the Relationships Between Impulsivity, Fear of COVID-19, and Cyberchondria. JOURNAL OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOR THERAPY 2023:1-23. [PMID: 36687465 PMCID: PMC9838370 DOI: 10.1007/s10942-022-00495-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to converge a structural equation model to unfold the compositive relationships between trait impulsivity, health cognitions, metacognitions about health, fear of COVID-19 and cyberchondria, after controlling for gender, age, marital status, having a chronic illness and chronic illness among first-degree relatives. Six hundred fifty-one participants (423 females, 65%; 228 males, 35%) participated in the study. The Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (S-UPPS-P), Health Cognitions Questionnaire (HCQ), The Meta-Cognitions about Health Questionnaire (MCQ-HA), Cyberchondria Severity Scale -Short Form (CSS-12), and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19 S) were completed by volunteered participants. The structural model showed that the S-UPPS-P directly and indirectly contributed to the HCQ, MCQ-HA, CSS-12, and FCV-19 S. The multi-group structural analysis by gender showed that the structural model had a partial measurement and factorial invariance. We concluded that the significant associations between impulsivity, fear of COVID-19 and cyberchondria were indirectly contributed by health-related cognitions and metacognitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Eşkisu
- Faculty of Education, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Zekeriya Çam
- Faculty of Education, Muş Alparslan University, Muş, Turkey
| | - Murat Boysan
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
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17
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Varer Akpinar C, Mandiracioglu A, Ozvurmaz S, Kurt F, Koc N. Cyberchondria and COVID-19 anxiety and internet addiction among nursing students. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 42:2406-2414. [PMID: 36468163 PMCID: PMC9702735 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04057-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the relationship between cyberchondria and COVID-19 anxiety and internet addiction in nursing students. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 843 students studying in the nursing department of Adnan Menderes University. The mean age of the students was 20.8 ± 1.72 years and 61.2% were female. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short Form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form were used to collect data. The study found a positive association between internet addiction, cyberchondria severity, and anxiety about COVID-19. It was found that the anxiety of COVID-19 had a mediating role in the association between internet addiction and cyberchondria severity. It was found that the use of the internet as a source of information on health problems and trusting the health information found had a significant effect on high cyberchondria levels (p < 0.05). Taken together, the findings of previous studies and this study on the role of the association between internet addiction and cyberchondria exacerbating anxiety due to the pandemic provide further evidence for healthcare professionals that greater focus is needed on the problems of the new era related to people-internet interaction. To reduce the negative effects of the current health crisis and future health crises, interventions for nursing students to control their internet use and cyberchondria behaviors should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Varer Akpinar
- grid.411709.a0000 0004 0399 3319Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Giresun University, Giresun, 28000 Turkey
| | - Aliye Mandiracioglu
- grid.8302.90000 0001 1092 2592Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Safiye Ozvurmaz
- grid.34517.340000 0004 0595 4313Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Fatma Kurt
- grid.34517.340000 0004 0595 4313Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Nazife Koc
- Home Patient Care Services, Istanbul Rumeli University, Istanbul, Turkey
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18
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Yam FC, Korkmaz O, Griffiths MD. The association between fear of Covid-19 and smartphone addiction among individuals: the mediating and moderating role of cyberchondria severity. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 42:2377-2390. [PMID: 34690474 PMCID: PMC8527295 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has quickly spread all over the world and has contributed to psychological consequences including fear of the virus. Depending upon the severity of their problems, individuals often search the internet via their mobile devices to understand whether the symptoms they perceive are symptoms of the disease. This condition has been termed 'cyberchondria'. In this context, the aim of this study is examine the mediating and moderating role of cyberchondria severity in the association between smartphone addiction and the fear of COVID-19. The sample comprised 520 participants (335 females [64.4%], 185 males [35.6%] aged 17 to 65 years [Mean = 28.61 years, SD = 10.60]). A survey included the Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short-Form, The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and The Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Structural equation modeling and SPSS Process Macro moderator variable analysis were used to test the research model. The study found a positive association between smartphone addiction, fear of COVID-19, and cyberchondria severity. Cyberchondria severity had both moderating and mediating role in the association between smartphone addiction and the fear of COVID-19. In conclusion, it has been determined that during the COVID-19 pandemic, cyberchondria severity has negative effects on individuals' fear of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Caner Yam
- Justice Vocational School, Gazisomanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Ozan Korkmaz
- Faculty of Education, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
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19
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Özkent MS, Kılınç MT, Hamarat MB, Yılmaz B, Göger YE, Özkent Y, Pişkin MM. Digitalization and Urological Diseases: Severity of Cyberchondria and Level of Health Anxiety in Patients Visiting Outpatient Urology Clinics. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2023; 26:28-34. [PMID: 36454182 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the cyberchondria levels of patients who applied to the urology outpatient clinic. The second goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cyberchondria severity and health anxiety in these patients. The present prospective observational study was conducted at the urology outpatient clinic of two tertiary centers in our city between September and December 2021. Eligible patients were the adult patients (>18 and ≤60 years) who used the Internet for health purposes and had no self-reported psychological or mental disease. The patients were divided into following groups according to their complaints: general urology, uro-oncology, andrology, functional urology, and endourology (stone disease). The level of cyberchondria and health anxiety was evaluated for these patients by using the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI) and a short-form version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12). This study enrolled 578 patients (190 female, 388 male). The mean age of patients was 43.4 ± 13.3 years (18-60 years). The mean CSS-12 was 28.1 ± 12.1, and the mean value of SHAI was 18.9 ± 13.6. The patients had andrological symptoms, is uniquely related to higher CSS and health anxiety, and followed by uro-oncological diseases. However, the least relationship was observed in patients with functional urological diseases (analysis of variance [ANOVA], p < 0.001 for CSS-12; p < 0.001 for SHAI). In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the CSS and SHAI (Pearson's correlation = 0.782). The increased level of cyberchondria causes increased health anxiety and an increased disease burden in these patients. Therefore, physicians should consider this increased treatment burden during the treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Burak Yılmaz
- Department of Urology, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | - Yunus Emre Göger
- Department of Urology, School of Meram Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Özkent
- Faculty of Communication, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Mesut Pişkin
- Department of Urology, School of Meram Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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20
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Błachnio A, Przepiórka A, Kot P, Cudo A, Steuden S. The role of emotional functioning in the relationship between health anxiety and cyberchondria. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-11. [PMID: 36570057 PMCID: PMC9762653 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Access to health information can have positive effects in the form of increased health awareness. However, self-diagnosis based on information available on websites can be dangerous, causing distress as an increasing amount of time is spent on searching. The main aim of the study was to determine the role of emotional functioning in the relationship between health anxiety and cyberchondria. The study included N = 615 participants aged 18 to 83 years (M = 43.86, SD = 14.57). The authors used the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, the Short Health Anxiety Inventory, the Life Orientation Test, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Kessler 6 Psychological Distress Scale. The results demonstrate that health anxiety is significantly related to cyberchondria and that pessimism and difficulties in emotion regulation act as mediators in this relationship. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-04126-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Błachnio
- Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta Przepiórka
- Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Kot
- Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Cudo
- Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Stanisława Steuden
- Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
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21
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Zheng H, Kyung Kim H, Joanna Sin SC, Theng YL. Exploring developmental trajectory of cyberchondria over time: A three-wave panel study. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2022.101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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22
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Peng RX. How online searches fuel health anxiety: Investigating the link between health-related searches, health anxiety, and future intention. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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23
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Kłosowska J, Bajcar EA, Bieniek H, Brączyk J, Joshanloo M, Mattarozzi K, Bagnis A, Pontén M, Lalouni M, Geers AL, Clemens KS, Park J, Choi G, Choi YK, Jung W, Son E, Yoon HY, Bąbel P. Development and cross-national investigation of a model explaining participation in WHO-recommended and placebo behaviours to prevent COVID-19 infection. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17704. [PMID: 36271008 PMCID: PMC9586969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17303-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To protect themselves from COVID-19, people follow the recommendations of the authorities, but they also resort to placebos. To stop the virus, it is important to understand the factors underlying both types of preventive behaviour. This study examined whether our model (developed based on the Health Belief Model and the Transactional Model of Stress) can explain participation in WHO-recommended and placebo actions during the pandemic. Model was tested on a sample of 3346 participants from Italy, Japan, Poland, Korea, Sweden, and the US. It was broadly supported: objective risk and cues to action showed both direct and indirect (through perceived threat) associations with preventive behaviours. Moreover, locus of control, decision balance, health anxiety and preventive coping moderated these relationships. Numerous differences were also found between countries. We conclude that beliefs about control over health and perceived benefits of actions are critical to the development of interventions to improve adherence to recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kłosowska
- grid.5522.00000 0001 2162 9631Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elżbieta A. Bajcar
- grid.5522.00000 0001 2162 9631Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland
| | - Helena Bieniek
- grid.5522.00000 0001 2162 9631Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Brączyk
- grid.5522.00000 0001 2162 9631Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland
| | - Mohsen Joshanloo
- grid.412091.f0000 0001 0669 3109Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Katia Mattarozzi
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Bagnis
- grid.6292.f0000 0004 1757 1758Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Moa Pontén
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Lalouni
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew L. Geers
- grid.267337.40000 0001 2184 944XDepartment of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, USA
| | - Kelly S. Clemens
- grid.267337.40000 0001 2184 944XDepartment of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, USA
| | | | - Gahee Choi
- grid.412091.f0000 0001 0669 3109Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Kyeung Choi
- grid.412091.f0000 0001 0669 3109Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Wookyoung Jung
- grid.412091.f0000 0001 0669 3109Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Son
- grid.412091.f0000 0001 0669 3109Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyae Young Yoon
- grid.412091.f0000 0001 0669 3109Department of Psychology, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Przemysław Bąbel
- grid.5522.00000 0001 2162 9631Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland
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Zheng H, Jiang S. Linking the Pathway from Exposure to Online Vaccine Information to Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2022; 25:625-633. [PMID: 36037024 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cyberchondria describes excessive health information seeking on the Internet is associated with escalating concerns and anxiety. Drawing upon the stimulus-organism-response model, this study proposes a moderated mediation model to explore how people develop cyberchondria when they search for COVID-19 vaccine-related information on the Internet. To test the proposed model, an online survey was conducted in China. Results showed that there was a direct and positive relationship between exposure to online vaccine information and cyberchondria. This relationship was also partially mediated by perceived information overload. Moreover, e-health literacy negatively moderated the indirect relationship between exposure to online vaccine information and cyberchondria through perceived information overload. The results from this study can advance our knowledge on the development of cyberchondria during public health crises, and inform health professionals and social media operators on developing evidence-based interventions to manage this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zheng
- School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shaohai Jiang
- Department of Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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25
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The Doctor Is In(ternet): The Mediating Role of Health Anxiety in the Relationship between Somatic Symptoms and Cyberchondria. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091490. [PMID: 36143275 PMCID: PMC9504509 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyberchondria is a dysfunctional behavioral pattern characterized by an excessive and anxiety-amplifying engagement in searching for reassuring health information on the Internet. Research demonstrated that somatic symptoms and health anxiety might foster maladaptive health-related behaviors, such as cyberchondria. However, the relationships between somatic symptoms, health anxiety, and cyberchondria have been scarcely examined. Accordingly, this study aimed to test the mediating effect of health anxiety on the association between somatic symptoms and cyberchondria. Four hundred and thirty-one adults from the community (158 males, 36.66%), aged between 18 and 74, were recruited via an online survey. Participants completed self-report measures of somatic symptoms, health anxiety, and cyberchondria. A mediation analysis demonstrated that the severity of somatic symptoms predicted increased levels of cyberchondria and that health anxiety partially mediated this association. Therefore, interventions aimed at decreasing health anxiety may also play a role in decreasing the risk of developing cyberchondria.
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Rajaram Mohan K, Fenn SM, Pethagounder Thangavelu R. Internet Derived Information Obstruction Treatment (IDIOT) Syndrome: A Breviloquent Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e27945. [PMID: 36120193 PMCID: PMC9464704 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid increase in internet use in the current digital era has caused a potential increase in anxiety, and a person either self-medicates or abruptly stops the drug for his medical illness, thereby the rise in the Internet Derived information Obstructing Treatment (IDIOT) syndrome. The Internet Derived Information Obstructing Treatment (IDIOT) syndrome occurs when patients abruptly quit their treatment because they have blindly trusted internet medical information. WHO calls this an " Infodemic," which has created a complex situation in healthcare, as it has caused too much information in digital and physical environments during an outbreak of the disease and caused mistrust in health authorities. Patients get important health information online and anticipate additional assistance, Dr. C. N. Manjunath, Director, Jayadeva Hospital, says “Doctors are becoming sick because of stress, and they need to take care of their health. There is an added demand to acquire communication skills rather than merely technical and professional qualities.” Patients must not merely believe healthcare-related information available from online health resources and must seek the help of licensed healthcare professionals for their health concerns. There must be an increase in the awareness programs among the public to as not to fall as victims and blindly follow or abruptly stop their medical prescriptions for their medical illness from available online health resources.
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Liu S, Yang H, Cheng M, Miao T. Family Dysfunction and Cyberchondria among Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9716. [PMID: 35955070 PMCID: PMC9368117 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cyberchondria has become a severe health problem and a significant public concern. In addition to the impacts that cyberchondria involves, individual psychological and behavioral factors have been identified. However, the role of family function and the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying these relations are not understood well, especially among adolescents. Based on family functioning and cognitive-behavioral theory, this study sought to examine whether family dysfunction was associated with cyberchondria, and a moderated mediation model was prepared as a means of exploring whether health anxiety was a mediator of relationships between family dysfunction and cyberchondria, as well as whether optimism moderated these mediating processes. A total of 2074 Chinese adolescents (mean = 15.08 years, SD = 1.79) reported their demographic information, family dysfunction, health anxiety, optimism, and cyberchondria. The findings showed that family dysfunction was positively related to cyberchondria. Moreover, health anxiety partially mediated the relationship between family dysfunction and cyberchondria. Finally, optimism moderated the interplay among health anxiety and cyberchondria. Consistent with the expectancy-value models, this positive relationship was weaker for adolescents with a higher level of optimism. These results suggest that it is vital to simultaneously consider individual and family factors as a means of understanding adolescent cyberchondria when performing cyberchondria intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyingjie Liu
- Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Huai Yang
- School of Nursing & Institute of Higher Education Research and Quality Evaluation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Min Cheng
- College of Humanities & Arts, Jiaxing Nanhu University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Tianchang Miao
- College of Humanities & Arts, Jiaxing Nanhu University, Jiaxing 314001, China
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Yang Y, Ta N, Li Z. Investigating the Obsessive and Compulsive Features of Cyberchondria: A Holistic Review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:897426. [PMID: 35859839 PMCID: PMC9289532 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.897426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cyberchondria has been brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 health emergency; it refers to individuals who obsessively and compulsively search for health information online, resulting in excessive health concerns. Recent scholarship focuses on its obsessive and compulsive aspect, following a biopsychosocial approach as opposed to a pathology of health anxiety. It lacks interpretation of the socio-psychological dynamics between the dimensions. Objective This review aims to propose a holistic view toward understanding cyberchondria as an obsessive–compulsive syndrome and considers possible interventions. It specifically seeks to explain cyberchondria from diversified mediator variables and to pinpoint connections between each perspective. Methodology Comprehensive searches of databases such as PubMed and Springer were conducted to identify English articles relating to cyberchondria from 2001 to 2022. Based on a systematic filtering process, 27 articles were finally reviewed. Findings The authors compare and confirm three forecasts to predict cyberchondria, associating it with individual metacognition, uncertainty of unverified information, and algorithm-driven, biased information environments. Value Theoretically, a holistic framework is proposed to explain the obsessive and compulsive features of cyberchondria. Clinically, the research calls for more professional psychoeducation and chain screening of cyberchondria and other psychological disorders. Socially, it promotes support for risk-sensitive, information-deficient groups during pandemics like COVID-19. It also stresses more careful use of algorithm-driven search engine technology for platforms delivering medical information. Future research may explore areas such as the association between cyberchondria and other social-related disorders, as well as correlations among cyberchondria, obsessive and compulsive disorders, medical trust, and algorithm-driven search results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- School of Chinese Culture and Communication, Beijing International Studies University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Ta
- School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Na Ta,
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Computational Communication Research Center, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
- School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Baggio S, Starcevic V, Billieux J, King DL, Gainsbury SM, Eslick GD, Berle D. Testing the spectrum hypothesis of problematic online behaviors: A network analysis approach. Addict Behav 2022; 135:107451. [DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Patanapu SK, Sreeja CS, Veeraboina N, Reddy KV, Voruganti S, Anusha P. Prevalence and effect of cyberchondria on academic performance among undergraduate dental students: An institutional based study. Ind Psychiatry J 2022; 31:228-234. [PMID: 36419676 PMCID: PMC9678148 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_272_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyberchondria has been used to describe an increase in anxiety about one's health status as a result of excessive online searches. These online health research studies were associated with a small but reliable increase in depression and anxiety which may decrease concentration of a student on academics. METHODS The questionnaire was distributed among 302 undergraduate dental students (second year, third year, fourth year, and interns) of Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital. The survey tool comprised Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short form (CSS-15) questionnaire and percentage of marks obtained in the previous University examination. Statistically significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS A significant difference was observed for subscale Compulsion (p = 0.05*), Distress (p = 0.001*) with a higher mean score among 24-26 years old dental students. Females had significant higher mean score subscales Distress (4.63 ± 2.93; P = 0.02*) and Reassurance (5.99 ± 2.90; P = 0.001*) than males. Regarding overall CSS, significant higher mean scores were observed among the students who scored less than 65% (7.90 ± 2.01) in their last year university academic examination (0.000*). CONCLUSION Scheduling educational programs and strengthening easily accessible health services for the students has a particular importance in solving the health problems of young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Kumar Patanapu
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketaplly Nalgonda, Telangana, India
| | - Chilukuri Sai Sreeja
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketaplly Nalgonda, Telangana, India
| | - Nagarani Veeraboina
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Positive Dental Pvt. Ltd, Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Kandadi Vasavi Reddy
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Clove Dental Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sreenivas Voruganti
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, SVR Dental Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India
| | - Patlola Anusha
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketaplly Nalgonda, Telangana, India
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Vismara M, Benatti B, Ferrara L, Colombo A, Bosi M, Varinelli A, Pellegrini L, Viganò C, Fineberg NA, Dell'Osso B. A preliminary investigation of Cyberchondria and its correlates in a clinical sample of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and depressive disorders attending a tertiary psychiatric clinic. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2022; 26:111-122. [PMID: 34032529 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2021.1927107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the frequency and presentation of cyberchondria (CYB) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (ADs), and major depression disorder (MDD).Methods. Seventy-seven patients (OCD:25, ADs:26, MDD:26) referred to a tertiary psychiatry outpatient clinic and 27 healthy controls (HCs) were included. A 'working' definition of CYB was used to measure CYB frequency. CYB severity was measured with the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS).Results. CYB as currently defined was present in just 1.3% of the combined patients' sample. Using a broader definition (omitting the disability criterion), we found a higher distribution (OCD:12%, ADs:19.2%, MDD:15.4%, HCs:3.7%) and greater CYB symptom severity. Patients with OCD (63.3 ± 18.9) and ADs (63.3 ± 25.9) showed a higher CYB severity, compared with HCs (48.4 ± 9.9, p<.05). In the combined patients' sample, a positive correlation was found between the CSS scores and measures of health anxiety or hypochondriasis. Higher CYB symptom severity emerged in patients with a positive family history of psychiatric disorders and in those prescribed benzodiazepines or mood-stabilisers.Conclusion. CYB represents a common transdiagnostic syndrome in patients with OCD, ADs, and MDD with a spectrum of severity and indicates a variable burden of illness, supporting the need for specific clinical considerations and interventions.Key pointsCyberchondria (CYB) represents a common transdiagnostic syndrome in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depressive disorders.CYB's frequency as a syndrome of compulsive online health searches associated with an increased anxiety and distress was reported in 10-20% patients.Health anxiety/hypochondriasis showed a strong correlation with CYB.Patients with a positive family history of psychiatric disorders and those prescribed benzodiazepines or mood-stabilisers showed higher CYB symptom severity.Considering the spread of Internet use for health-related information, additional studies investigating CYB in clinical samples are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vismara
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Benatti
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Ferrara
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Colombo
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Bosi
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Varinelli
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pellegrini
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Caterina Viganò
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Naomi A Fineberg
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Welwyn Garden City, UK.,School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford University, CA, USA.,"Centro per lo studio dei meccanismi molecolari alla base delle patologie neuro-psico-geriatriche", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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The Spanish version of the short form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12): Testing the factor structure and measurement invariance across genders. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCyberchondria refers to excessive and repeated online health-related searching, which is associated with increased distress and anxiety. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) is the most widely used measure for assessment of cyberchondria, and its shortened version (CSS-12) has recently been developed. The aim of the present study was to develop the Spanish version of the CSS-12 and test its psychometric properties. A community sample of 432 Spanish-speaking adults (67.6% women; mean age = 36.00 ± 15.22 years) completed the Spanish translation of CSS-12 along with measures of health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Spanish version of the CSS-12 comprises a general cyberchondria factor and four specific factors (‘excessiveness’, ‘compulsion’, ‘distress’, and ‘reassurance’). Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated measurement invariance across gender groups. Internal consistency values for the total score and subscales were good to excellent. The CSS-12 showed strong correlations with health anxiety, and moderate to low correlations with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and depressive symptoms, supporting the convergent and divergent validity of the CSS-12, respectively. In conclusion, these results show that the CSS-12 is a valid and reliable tool for measuring cyberchondria in both genders in the general Spanish population.
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Ambrosini F, Truzoli R, Vismara M, Vitella D, Biolcati R. The effect of cyberchondria on anxiety, depression and quality of life during COVID-19: the mediational role of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and Internet addiction. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09437. [PMID: 35600442 PMCID: PMC9107336 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), online health information-seeking behaviors have notably increased. Cyberchondria can be a vulnerability factor for the worsening of anxiety-depressive symptoms and quality of life. The current study aims to understand the predictive effect of cyberchondria on health anxiety, anxiety, depression and quality of life considering the mediating effect of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and Internet addiction and the moderating effect of COVID anxiety. 572 Italian participants (66% female; Mean age = 34; SD = 15) took part in a cross-sectional online survey involving CSS-12, MOCQ-R, IAT, SHAI, HADS, WHOQoL-BREF and CAS. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and Internet addiction were found to partially mediate the cyberchondria-health anxiety and the cyberchondria-anxiety links and to totally mediate the cyberchondria-depression and the cyberchondria-quality of life links. COVID anxiety was found to moderate the relationship between cyberchondria and anxiety. The findings suggest that compulsivity may have a key role in the explanation of the underlying mechanisms of cyberchondria. Healthcare practitioners should provide additional support for individuals with cyberchondria. As such, cyberchondria is a contributing factor to the exacerbation of anxiety-depressive disorders and may impact on the quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ambrosini
- Department of Education Studies “Giovanni Maria Bertin”, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Truzoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinics Luigi Sacco, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Vismara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Clinics Luigi Sacco, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, Italy
- Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Biolcati
- Department of Education Studies “Giovanni Maria Bertin”, University of Bologna, Italy
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Boysan M, Eşkisu M, Çam Z. Relationships between fear of
COVID
‐19, cyberchondria, intolerance of uncertainty, and obsessional probabilistic inferences: A structural equation model. Scand J Psychol 2022; 63:439-448. [PMID: 35430750 PMCID: PMC9115459 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The study was set out to explore the structural relationships between fear of COVID‐19, cyberchondria, intolerance of uncertainty, and obsessional probabilistic inferences. The data were recruited online from a community population (n = 1,049) subjected to a confirmatory factor analytic procedure. The structural model specified according to the previous findings in the literature showed that a general tendency to negative expectations in terms of probabilistic thinking was significantly associated with both COVID‐19‐related‐fear and intolerance of uncertainty. Fear of COVID‐19 was significantly associated with cyberchondria. Probabilistic thinking style and intolerance of uncertainty contributed to cyberchondria through fear of COVID‐19 as well. We concluded that a tendency to engage in a probabilistic thinking style and intolerance of uncertainty seems to play role in the etiology of fear of infection and cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Boysan
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Social Sciences University of Ankara Ankara Turkey
| | - Mustafa Eşkisu
- Faculty of Education Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University Erzincan Turkey
| | - Zekeriya Çam
- Faculty of Education Muş Alparslan University Muş Turkey
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Foroughi A, Taheri AA, Khanjani S, Mohammadpour M, Amiri S, Parvizifard AA, McElroy E. Psychometric Properties of Iranian Version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (Short-Form of CSS). JOURNAL OF CONSUMER HEALTH ON THE INTERNET 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15398285.2022.2045668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aliakbar Foroughi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amir Abbas Taheri
- Department of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Khanjani
- Research Center for Behavioral and Cognitive Science in Police, Directorate of Health, Rescue and Treatment, Police Force, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mohammadpour
- School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sasan Amiri
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali akbar Parvizifard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Eoin McElroy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavior, University of Leicester University Road Leicester, Leicester, England
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Yalçın İ, Boysan M, Eşkisu M, Çam Z. Health anxiety model of cyberchondria, fears, obsessions, sleep quality, and negative affect during COVID-19. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-18. [PMID: 35309288 PMCID: PMC8919165 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore the relationships among cyberchondria, fear of COVID-19, health anxiety, obsessions, sleep quality, and negative affect in a national community sample of Turkish participants. A sample of 8,276 volunteers, aged between 18 and 65, were recruited via an online platform. The Perceived Vulnerability about Diseases Questionnaire, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Cyberchondria Severity Scale, Short Health Anxiety Inventory, Depression Stress Anxiety Scale-21, Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were completed by participants. Data were analyzed using mixture structural equation modelling approach. Results revealed that perceived vulnerability to disease was found to be positively related with cyberchondria, poor sleep quality, health anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Negative affect was positively associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, fears of COVID-19, cyberchondria severity, and poor sleep quality. Additionally, fear of COVID-19 was positively related to health anxiety. Also, cyberchondria severity was found to be positively associated with poor sleep quality and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Mixture analysis classified participants into six latent classes: 1) Risk-Aversive Healthy Group, 2) Incautious Healthy Group, 3) Infection Obsessions Group, 4) Health Anxiety Group, 5) Negative Affect Group, and 6) General Psychopathology Group. The national survey data showed that perceived vulnerability to diseases, negative affect, fear of COVID-19, cyberchondria, health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and sleep quality appeared to be at the center of pandemic health anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlhan Yalçın
- Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Ankara University, Cebeci Campus, 06590 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Boysan
- Department of Psychology, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Eşkisu
- Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Zekeriya Çam
- Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Muş Alparslan University, Muş, Turkey
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Cyberchondria, Fear of COVID-19, and Risk Perception Mediate the Association between Problematic Social Media Use and Intention to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10010122. [PMID: 35062783 PMCID: PMC8779372 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective way to control the COVID-19 pandemic, but vaccination hesitancy threatens this effort worldwide. Consequently, there is a need to understand what influences individuals’ intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Restriction of information gathering on societal developments to social media may influence attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination through exposure to disinformation and imbalanced arguments. The present study examined the association between problematic social media use and intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine, taking into account the mediating roles of cyberchondria, fear of COVID-19, and COVID-19 risk perception. In a cross-sectional survey study, a total of 10,843 residents of Qazvin City, Iran completed measures on problematic social media use, fear of COVID-19, cyberchondria, COVID-19 risk perception, and intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that there was no direct association between problematic social media use and intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Nonetheless, cyberchondria, fear of COVID-19, and COVID-19 risk perception (each or serially) mediated associations between problematic social media use and intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine. These results add to the understanding of the role of problematic social media use in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, i.e., it is not the quantity of social media use per se that matters. This knowledge of the mediating roles of cyberchondria, fear of COVID-19, and COVID-19 risk perception can be used by public health experts and policymakers when planning educational interventions and other initiatives in COVID-19 vaccination programs.
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Tiwari S, Srivastava S, Negi M. Prevalence and predictors of cyberchondria and depression amid COVID-19 pandemic in adult population of Uttar Pradesh, India. ARCHIVES OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/amhs.amhs_95_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Chaudhury S, Sravani D, Reddy CG, Murthy PS. Coronavirus anxiety and cyberchondria among undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital: A cross-sectional study. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF DR. D.Y. PATIL VIDYAPEETH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_614_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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40
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Zolotareva A. Cyberchondria, but not preventive behavior, mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and somatic burden: Evidence from Russia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1018659. [PMID: 36226097 PMCID: PMC9549408 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1018659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is extensive available research on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 pandemic and physical symptoms. This study was the first to examine the cyberchondria and COVID-19 preventive behavior as mediators of this relationship. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2021, during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia. The participants were 2,011 Russian-speaking volunteers aged 18 years and older. They completed questionnaires on somatic burden, cyberchondria, COVID-19 preventive behavior, and fear of COVID-19 pandemic. Mediation analysis was used to explore the mediating roles of cyberchondria and preventive behavior in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and somatic burden. RESULTS Fear of COVID-19 positively predicted somatic burden, cyberchondria, and COVID-19 preventive behavior. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between fear of COVID-19 pandemic and somatic burden was mediated by cyberchondria (effect = 0.08, bootstrapping SE = 0.01, bootstrapping 95% CI [0.08, 0.12]), but not COVID-19 preventive behavior (effect = 0.02, bootstrapping SE = 0.01, bootstrapping 95% CI [0.00, 0.05]). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that cyberchondria had negative effects on somatic burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. The knowledge of the mediating role of cyberchondria may be used by health care workers when consulting persons with physical health complaints and psychosomatic disorders.
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Chaudhury S, Dhamija S. Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ADVANCES IN MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT, AND THE ARTS 2022:233-251. [DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-8630-3.ch013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2023]
Abstract
Many factors govern the behavior pertaining to anxiety regarding health – it may be stressors, triggers, adverse situations faced by people. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, health-related anxiety has been widespread. December 2019 saw the occurrence of a form of pneumonia, not known at that time, from the Wuhan region of China to rapidly proceed into a worldwide pandemic and lockdown. This disrupted normal life across the globe and affected social and economic functioning. Cyberchondria has been one of the coping strategies seen during this time, pertaining to online health-related searches which offer answers and relief as seen at the surface but also bringing a plethora of mental health challenges. The authors in this chapter try to simplify what exactly cyberchondria is and how has it affected the lives of the worldwide population during the COVID-19 crisis, the biggest pandemic of recent times. The origin, development, and prevalence of the concept, along with coping, treatment, and prevention of the condition are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sana Dhamija
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital, and Research Centre, India
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Peng XQ, Chen Y, Zhang YC, Liu F, He HY, Luo T, Dai PP, Xie WZ, Luo AJ. The Status and Influencing Factors of Cyberchondria During the COVID-19 Epidemic. A Cross-Sectional Study in Nanyang City of China. Front Psychol 2021; 12:712703. [PMID: 34858254 PMCID: PMC8632535 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.712703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyberchondria is considered “the anxiety-amplifying effects of online health-related searches.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are likely to search health-related information online for reassurance because of fear and related physical symptoms, while cyberchondria may be triggered due to the escalation of health anxiety, different online seeking behavior preference, information overload, and insufficient e-health literacy. This study aimed to investigate the status and influencing factors of cyberchondria in residents in China during the epidemic period of COVID-19. The participants were 674 community residents of Nanyang city surveyed from February 1 to 15, 2020. We administered online measures, including the Chinese Short Form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (C-CSS-12), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and COVID-19-related online information seeking behavior questionnaire. In our study, the average C-CSS-12 total score of residents was 30.65 ± 11.53 during the virus epidemic; 25% of participants scored 22 or below, 50% scored 23 to 38, and 21.9% scored 39 to 60. The SHAI total score (β = 0.598 > 0, P < 0.001), the use of general search engines (β = 1.867 > 0, P = 0.039), and searching for information on how to diagnose COVID-19 (β = 2.280 > 0, P = 0.020) were independent risk factors for cyberchondria, while searching lasting less than 10 min each (β = −2.992 < 0, P = 0.048), the use of traditional media digital platforms (β = −1.650 < 0, P = 0.024) and professional medical communication platforms (β = −4.189 < 0, P = 0.007) were independent protective factors. Our findings showed that nearly a quarter of the participants scored 39 or higher on the C-CSS-12 in Nanyang city during the pandemic, which should be taken seriously. Health anxiety and COVID-19-related online information seeking behavior including online duration, topics and choice on different information channels were important influencing factors of cyberchondria. These findings have implications for further research and clinical practice on cyberchondria in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Peng
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Information Research, Central South University, College of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi-Chuan Zhang
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Yan He
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Luo
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping-Ping Dai
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Zhao Xie
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Information Research, Central South University, College of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Ai-Jing Luo
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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Schenkel SK, Jungmann SM, Gropalis M, Witthöft M. Conceptualizations of Cyberchondria and Relations to the Anxiety Spectrum: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e27835. [PMID: 34792473 PMCID: PMC8663695 DOI: 10.2196/27835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyberchondria describes the detrimental effects of health-related internet use. Current conceptualizations agree that cyberchondria is associated with anxiety-related pathologies and may best be conceptualized as a safety behavior; however, little is known about its exact underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to give an overview of the conceptualizations of cyberchondria and its relation to anxiety-related pathologies, quantify the strength of association to health anxiety by using meta-analyses, highlight gaps in the literature, and outline a hypothetical integrative cognitive-behavioral model of cyberchondria based on the available empirical evidence. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO electronic databases. A total of 25 studies were included for qualitative synthesis and 7 studies, comprising 3069 individuals, were included for quantitative synthesis. The meta-analysis revealed a strong association of cyberchondria (r=0.63) and its subfacets (r=0.24-0.66) with health anxiety. RESULTS The results indicate that cyberchondria is a distinct construct related to health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety sensitivity. Further studies should distinguish between state and trait markers of anxiety-related pathologies and use experimental and naturalistic longitudinal designs to differentiate among risk factors, triggers, and consequences related to cyberchondria. CONCLUSIONS Health-related internet use in the context of health anxiety is best conceptualized as health-related safety behavior maintained through intermittent reinforcement. Here, we present a corresponding integrative cognitive-behavioral model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra K Schenkel
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Jungmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Gropalis
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Witthöft
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Experimental Psychopathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Zheng H, Kyung Kim H, Joanna Sin SC, Theng YL. A theoretical model of cyberchondria development: Antecedents and intermediate processes. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2021.101659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Eysenbach G, Nazari N, Griffiths MD. Using Fear and Anxiety Related to COVID-19 to Predict Cyberchondria: Cross-sectional Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26285. [PMID: 34014833 PMCID: PMC8191728 DOI: 10.2196/26285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have highlighted that fear and anxiety generated by COVID-19 are important psychological factors that affect all populations. There currently remains a lack of research on specific amplification factors regarding fear and anxiety in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite established associations between anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and cyberchondria, empirical data investigating the associations between these three variables, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, are currently lacking. Urgent research is needed to better understand the role of repeated media consumption concerning COVID-19 in amplifying fear and anxiety related to COVID-19. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the associations between fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 anxiety, and cyberchondria. METHODS Convenience sampling was used to recruit respondents to participate in an online survey. The survey, which was distributed via social media and academic forums, comprised the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling. RESULTS A total of 694 respondents (males: n=343, females: n=351) completed the online survey. The results showed that fear and anxiety generated by COVID-19 predicted cyberchondria (fear: β=.39, SE 0.04, P<.001, t=11.16, 95% CI 0.31-0.45; anxiety: β=.25, SE 0.03, P<.001, t=7.67, 95% CI 0.19-0.32). In addition, intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety sensitivity mediated the relationship between fear and anxiety generated by COVID-19 with cyberchondria. In a reciprocal model, the standardized total effects of cyberchondria on fear of COVID-19 (β=.45, SE 0.04, P<.001, t=15.31, 95% CI 0.39-0.51) and COVID-19 anxiety (β=.36, SE 0.03, P<.001, t=11.29, 95% CI 0.30-0.41) were statistically significant, with moderate effect sizes. Compared to males, females obtained significantly higher scores for cyberchondria (t1,692=-2.85, P=.004, Cohen d=0.22), COVID-19 anxiety (t1,692=-3.32, P<.001, Cohen d=0.26), and anxiety sensitivity (t1,692=-3.69, P<.001, Cohen d=0.29). CONCLUSIONS The findings provide a better understanding of the role of COVID-19 in amplifying cyberchondria. Based on these results, cyberchondria must be viewed as a significant public health issue. Importantly, increasing awareness about cyberchondria and online behavior at both the individual and collective levels must be prioritized to enhance preparedness and to reduce the adverse effects of current and future medical crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nabi Nazari
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Wu X, Nazari N, Griffiths MD. Using Fear and Anxiety Related to COVID-19 to Predict Cyberchondria: Cross-sectional Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2021. [DOI: doi.org/10.2196/26285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Studies have highlighted that fear and anxiety generated by COVID-19 are important psychological factors that affect all populations. There currently remains a lack of research on specific amplification factors regarding fear and anxiety in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite established associations between anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and cyberchondria, empirical data investigating the associations between these three variables, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, are currently lacking. Urgent research is needed to better understand the role of repeated media consumption concerning COVID-19 in amplifying fear and anxiety related to COVID-19.
Objective
This study investigated the associations between fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 anxiety, and cyberchondria.
Methods
Convenience sampling was used to recruit respondents to participate in an online survey. The survey, which was distributed via social media and academic forums, comprised the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling.
Results
A total of 694 respondents (males: n=343, females: n=351) completed the online survey. The results showed that fear and anxiety generated by COVID-19 predicted cyberchondria (fear: β=.39, SE 0.04, P<.001, t=11.16, 95% CI 0.31-0.45; anxiety: β=.25, SE 0.03, P<.001, t=7.67, 95% CI 0.19-0.32). In addition, intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety sensitivity mediated the relationship between fear and anxiety generated by COVID-19 with cyberchondria. In a reciprocal model, the standardized total effects of cyberchondria on fear of COVID-19 (β=.45, SE 0.04, P<.001, t=15.31, 95% CI 0.39-0.51) and COVID-19 anxiety (β=.36, SE 0.03, P<.001, t=11.29, 95% CI 0.30-0.41) were statistically significant, with moderate effect sizes. Compared to males, females obtained significantly higher scores for cyberchondria (t1,692=–2.85, P=.004, Cohen d=0.22), COVID-19 anxiety (t1,692=–3.32, P<.001, Cohen d=0.26), and anxiety sensitivity (t1,692=–3.69, P<.001, Cohen d=0.29).
Conclusions
The findings provide a better understanding of the role of COVID-19 in amplifying cyberchondria. Based on these results, cyberchondria must be viewed as a significant public health issue. Importantly, increasing awareness about cyberchondria and online behavior at both the individual and collective levels must be prioritized to enhance preparedness and to reduce the adverse effects of current and future medical crises.
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Vismara M, Vitella D, Biolcati R, Ambrosini F, Pirola V, Dell'Osso B, Truzoli R. The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Searching for Health-Related Information and Cyberchondria on the General Population in Italy. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:754870. [PMID: 34712159 PMCID: PMC8546113 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.754870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The Internet has become one of the most common sources people use to search for health-related information, a behavior rapidly increased during the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study aimed to investigate behavioral patterns in the online health-related searches and Cyberchondria (CYB) during the COVID-19 pandemic time, in order to explore socio-demographic and psychopathological factors related to CYB. Methods: During the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, a cross-sectional online survey collected the main socio-demographic variables and habits related to Internet use of 572 participants. CYB was measured by the Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short Version and different psychopathological factors were measured by specific questionnaires: the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Short Health Anxiety Inventory, the Meta-Cognitions about Health Questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, the Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Questionnaire-Short Version, the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF. Descriptives, non-parametric ANOVAs, and Spearman correlations were performed. Results: In the present sample, the Internet was the main source participants used to search for health-related information and nearly one-third increased this habit during the pandemic. Higher expression of CYB emerged in females, in younger participants, in students, and in those suffering from a physical/psychiatric illness. CYB showed a positive correlation with different phenomenology of anxiety (i.e., anxiety about COVID-19, health anxiety, general anxiety, metacognitive believes about anxiety) and with depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and problematic usage of the Internet. Conversely, quality of life and self-esteem showed a negative correlation with CYB. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of the Internet for health-related information and CYB contribute to the psychological stress affecting individuals and society. Delineating subjects more vulnerable to CYB and associated psychopathological factors will help to elaborate operational indications for prevention and psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vismara
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Biolcati
- Department of Education Sciences "Giovanni Maria Bertin", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Ambrosini
- Department of Education Sciences "Giovanni Maria Bertin", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Pirola
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,UniSR-Social Lab, Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.,"Centro per lo studio dei meccanismi molecolari alla base delle patologie neuro-psico-geriatriche", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Truzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Seyed Hashemi SG, Hosseinnezhad S, Dini S, Griffiths MD, Lin CY, Pakpour AH. The mediating effect of the cyberchondria and anxiety sensitivity in the association between problematic internet use, metacognition beliefs, and fear of COVID-19 among Iranian online population. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05135. [PMID: 33072911 PMCID: PMC7547399 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid growth of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), individuals may try to find related medical information using the internet to overcome their fears. Under such circumstances, individuals with the features of cyberchondria, anxiety sensitivity, and metacognitive beliefs in negative thoughts may suffer more fears than those without these features. Therefore, the present study proposed a model to understand the associations between problematic internet use (PIU), cyberchondria, anxiety sensitivity, metacognition beliefs, and fear of COVID-19. Utilizing a cross-sectional online survey, 651 Iranians completed the following psychometric scales: Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Anxiety Sensitivity Questionnaire (ASI), Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short Form (CSS-12), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale (GPIUS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the proposed model via several fit indices. The indices include Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), comparative fit index (CFI), standardized root mean square residual (SRMR), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). The fit indices (CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.938, RMSEA = 0.053, and SRMR = 0.001) indicated the good fit between the data and the proposed model. Moreover, fear of COVID-19 was significantly and directly predicted by cyberchondria (β = 0.479, p < .001) and anxiety sensitivity (β = 0.286, p < .001). The relationship between PIU and cyberchondria with fear of COVID-19 was mediated significantly by anxiety sensitivity and metacognitive beliefs. Because fear of COVID-19 was found to be significantly associated with cyberchondria and anxiety sensitivity, healthcare providers may want to provide additional support for those with cyberchondria and anxiety sensitivity tendencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ghasem Seyed Hashemi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Solmaz Dini
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Bonab Branch, Payame Noor University, Bonab, Iran
| | - Mark D. Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Amir H. Pakpour
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
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Menon V, Kar SK, Tripathi A, Nebhinani N, Varadharajan N. Cyberchondria: conceptual relation with health anxiety, assessment, management and prevention. Asian J Psychiatr 2020; 53:102225. [PMID: 32585634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to synthesize available information on the emerging construct of cyberchondria to guide evidence informed practice. With this in mind, electronic search of databases including MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Google scholar were carried out from inception till March 2020 to identify relevant English language peer reviewed articles related to cyberchondria. Generated abstracts were grouped according to their thematic focus and summarized. A total of 49 articles were reviewed. Articles directly evaluating cyberchondria were very few and most of the treatment evidence was extrapolated from trials on health anxiety. Cyberchondria appears to be a phenomenologically overlapping entity with, yet distinguishable from, health anxiety and there may be merit in studying the two constructs separately. Four validated self-assessment measures for cyberchondria are available in literature. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) delivered either physically or through the internet (iCBT) have been found to be effective for both health anxiety and cyberchondria. Pharmacologic strategies for health anxiety have mainly involved the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, with mean effective dosages higher than for depression/anxiety. Prevention of cyberchondria needs to focus on appropriate harm reduction strategies as well as supply and demand side measures. Internet based CBT therapies hold promise for management of cyberchondria. This finding must be considered preliminary due to limited evidence. Further study is required to establish the diagnostic validity of cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Menon
- Dept of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Dept of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Adarsh Tripathi
- Dept of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Naresh Nebhinani
- Dept of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342005, India
| | - Natarajan Varadharajan
- Dept of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605006, India
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The Assessment of Cyberchondria: Instruments for Assessing Problematic Online Health-Related Research. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-020-00308-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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