Cyberchondria in Healthcare Workers: An Example from a Training and Research Hospital

Authors : Serdar Deniz, Mehmet Koca

Pages : 504-513

View : 10 | Download : 11

Publication Date : 2024-12-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The current study aims to determine the cyberchondria tendencies among personnel working in a training and research hospital. The study population comprised 1924 hospital employees, from which a minimum sample size of 320 was determined. Data collection involved employing a sociodemographic survey form consisting of 9 questions, alongside the utilization of a 33-question Cyberchondria Severity Scale. The study participants had a mean age of 36.96±8.30, ranging from 19 to 64. Among the study group, 58.75% (n=188) were women, with 66.56% identifying as midwives or nurses, and 16.88% being single. Significant relationships were identified between cyberchondria and education status, occupation, and duration of internet use. However, no significant differences were observed based on age, gender, or marital status. The average Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-33) score was determined to be 78.43 as a result of our study. Our findings revealed that 81.82% of individuals who conducted internet research about their illness before visiting the doctor continued this behavior after the visit, while 33.61% of those who did not initially research their illness searched for information on the internet post-consultation. This underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the reasons behind individuals continuing to seek information after consulting a doctor. Implementing necessary precautions based on these insights could contribute to the improved functionality of the healthcare system and a reduction in health-related anxiety experienced by individuals.
Keywords : Sağlık Tutumu, Sağlık, Kaygı, Sağlık Çalışanları