Being Pregnant in the Digital Age: Cyberchondria and Pregnancy Anxiety

Authors : Zehra Acar, Asibe Özkan, Fatma Gamze Malçok

Pages : 799-808

Doi:10.46413/boneyusbad.1628422

View : 75 | Download : 132

Publication Date : 2025-12-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: This study aimed to determine the levels of cyberchondria and anxiety among pregnant women and the associated factors. Material and Method: This descriptive study was conducted with 376 pregnant women. Data were collected using the “Personal and Pregnancy-Related Characteristics Data Form”, the “Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale (PrAS),” and the “Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short Form (CSS-12)”. Results: 77.1% of the participants reported searching the internet for answers to their pregnancy-related questions. The mean total scores for the CSS-12 and PrAS scales were 28.14 ± 9.28 and 67.3 ± 13.97, respectively. There was a correlation between the CSS-12, its “distress” and “compulsion” subscale, and the PrAS. Additionally, correlations were observed between the PrAS, its “childbirth concerns” and “baby concerns” subscale, and the CSS-12. Pregnancy-related anxiety scores were higher in multiparous pregnant women compared to primiparous women. A correlation was also found between pregnancy-related anxiety scores and the provision of satisfactory answers to participants\\\' questions by midwives and nurses. Furthermore, age acted as a moderator, weakening the impact of cyberchondria on pregnancy anxiety. Conclusion: The cyclical consequences of pregnancy anxiety and internet use should be examined, and interventions or recommendations should be developed to reduce the negative impact of cyberchondria on mental health.
Keywords : Anksiyete, Dijital, Gebelik, İnternet, Siberkondri

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