IMPACT OF E-HEALTH LITERACY AND CYBERCHONDRIA SEVERITY ON FEAR OF COVID-19 IN TURKISH SOCIETY

Authors : Seda AYDAN, Gamze BAYIN DONAR, Gözde YEŞİLAYDIN, Nazan KARTAL

Pages : 495-510

View : 68 | Download : 73

Publication Date : 2023-06-23

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The fear of COVID-19 may lead to many negative consequences. Therefore, it is important to address the antecedents of COVID-19 fear for better preventing fear of COVID-19. Cyberchondria can pose a great threat to individuals during the pandemic period, when health-related information is widely spread and followed closely and with great interest by the society. On the other hand, e-Health literacy has become more important during the pandemic period. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the impact of e-Health literacy and cyberchondria severity on fear of COVID-19. In Türkiye, the research population was made up of people between the ages of 18 and 74. A total of 960 people were reached through online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted four parts. The sociodemographic information about the participants was given in the first part. In the second part, \`The e-Health Literacy Scale\`; in the third part, “Cyberchondria Severity Scale” and in the fourth part “The Fear of COVID-19 Scale” were used. According to the study findings; the level of e-Health literacy and cyberchondria had a significant impact on fear of COVID-19, both separately and together. The increase in the e-Health literacy level of the participants statistically reduced the fear of COVID-19, while the increase in the level of cyberchondria increased the fear of COVID-19. The findings could be useful for healthcare professionals, healthcare administrators and policymakers to take further steps towards raising individuals\` e-Health literacy, which could facilitate dealing with devastating epidemics such as COVID-19 in societies. Also, it may help to prioritizing raising awareness about cyberchondria and online health information seeking behaviors.
Keywords : siberkondri, e Sağlık okuryazarlığı, Covid 19 korkusu, Türkiye