Investigating the relationship and effect between health anxiety level and severity of cyberchondria in surgical patients

Abstract

Background The uncertainty of the results of surgical interventions and the patient’s fear of undergoing surgery increase health anxiety. The increased level of anxiety leads the individual to search for online information that is easy to access and cost-effective. Aim This study aimed to investigate the relationship and effect between anxiety level and severity of cyberchondria in surgical patients. Methods The study was descriptive, correlational, and exploratory. Data were collected using the Personal Characteristics Form, Health Anxiety Inventory, and Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short Form (CSS-12). The study was conducted with 300 surgical patients in the postoperative period between July and November 2023. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between health anxiety and cyberchondria severity. Results There was a moderate positive correlation between participants’ health anxiety and cyberchondria severity scales (r=0.422 p<0.001). Cyberchondria severity explained 17.8% of health anxiety and was a positive predictor. In surgical patients, the subscales of the cyberchondria severity scale explained 19.4% of health anxiety. The reassurance-seeking and compulsion subscales of the cyberchondria severity scale were positive predictors of health anxiety, while the excessiveness and distress subscales were not predictors. Conclusion The severity of cyberchondria in surgical patients was moderately correlated with health anxiety inventories and partially explained health anxiety. This study showed that seeking reassurance and information from other sources to the point of interrupting activities of daily living increased health anxiety. Studies that include more factors that may explain the health anxiety of surgical patients in the Turkish population should be conducted.

BJMS, Vol. 25 No. 01 January’26 Page : 136-142