INVESTIGATING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CYBERCHONDRIA AND HEALTH ANXIETY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/eijmhs.v10i2.242Keywords:
Cyberchondria, Anxiety, Healthcare Professionals, Mental Health, Digital AgeAbstract
This research explores a growing health concern of the digital era—cyberchondria—and its link to anxiety among young adults aged 18-25 in Mumbai, India. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study includes a quantitative survey of 72 participants (N=72) aged 18-24, alongside qualitative interviews with 10 experienced physicians. The quantitative analysis, conducted using Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation, revealed a strong positive correlation between cyberchondria and anxiety (r=0.76, p<0.001). Qualitative insights underscored the challenges faced by doctors in managing patients who are digitally informed, stressing the need for enhanced digital literacy and improved communication strategies. This study addresses a crucial gap in the existing literature by focusing on the Indian context, offering practical recommendations such as the introduction of digital health literacy programs and evidence-based interventions to mitigate health-related anxieties. However, limitations include the use of self-reported data and a narrow demographic focus, suggesting a need for further research leveraging advanced technologies like AI to gain a deeper understanding of cyberchondria in the Indian population.
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