Open AccessUse of Web-Based Health Services in Individuals With and Without Symptoms of Hypochondria: Survey Study
Author(s) -
Christiane Eichenberg,
Markus Schott
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
jmir. journal of medical internet research/journal of medical internet research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.446
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1439-4456
pISSN - 1438-8871
DOI - 10.2196/10980
Subject(s) - distressing , anxiety , psychology , health information , the internet , internet privacy , phenomenon , world wide web , medicine , health care , psychiatry , computer science , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , economics , economic growth
Background An increasing number of people consult physicians because of distressing information found online. Cyberchondria refers to the phenomenon of health anxiety because of online health information. Objective This study aimed to examine online health research of individuals with and without symptoms of hypochondria and their impact on health anxiety as well as behavior. Methods An online survey was conducted. Demographic data, health-related internet use, and general health behavior were assessed. The illness attitude scale was used to record symptoms of hypochondria. Results The final sample consisted of N=471 participants. More than 40% (188/471) of participants showed at least some symptoms of hypochondria. Participants with symptoms of hypochondria used the internet more frequently for health-related purposes and also frequented more online services than individuals without symptoms. Most online health services were rated as more reliable by individuals with symptoms of hypochondria. Changes to behavior such as doctor hopping or ordering nonprescribed medicine online were considered more likely by individuals with symptoms of hypochondria. Conclusions Results show that individuals with symptoms of hypochondria do not turn to online research as a result of lacking alternatives but rather consult health services on- as well as offline.