The likelihood of cyberchondria-induced anxiety among the BS Medical Laboratory Science students of De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute during pandemic

Date of Completion

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Keywords

cyberchondria, health anxiety, medical laboratory science students, pandemic, internet, online health information, clinical web searching

Abstract

Increased dependence on the internet to search for medical information has led to the greater prevalence of cyberchondria. Cyberchondria is defined as the distress or anxiety that results from the belief of having an illness or condition, as an effect of searching the internet for healthrelated information. This study aims to determine the likelihood of cyberchondria-induced anxiety among the BS Medical Laboratory Science Students and identify significant differences in the likelihood when they are grouped according to their age and year level, sex, time spent online, and frequency of internet usage. To fulfill these objectives, 268 students were surveyed with the Symptomatic Cyberchondria Scale. Among the students, 32.6% were found to have a high likelihood of cyberchondria-induced anxiety. In addition, the outcome of the study discovered no significant differences in the likelihood of cyberchondria-induced anxiety of the respondents when they were grouped according to their age and year level, sex, time spent online, and frequency of internet usage. Moreover, the study suggests the need to increase awareness regarding cyberchondria.

First Advisor

Maria Teresa F. Mateo

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