Cyberchondria and health anxiety in allergy and immunology

Abstract

Introduction: The widespread use of the internet has made health information more accessible. However, it has also increased problems such as health anxiety and cyberchondria. Aim: This study aimed to assess cyberchondria levels in allergy and immunology clinic patients and examine the relationship between cyberchondria and health anxiety. Material and methods: This study was conducted on patients diagnosed with allergic disorders, chronic urticaria, hereditary angioedema (HAE), and primary immunodeficiency (PID). Cyberchondria severity was assessed using the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12), while health anxiety was evaluated using the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI). Results: A total of 550 patients were included in the study, with 71% of the participants being female. The highest CSS-12 scores were observed in the HAE group (33.5 +/- 8.8), followed by the PID group (28.4 +/- 8.6). The allergic disorders group had the lowest level of cyberchondria severity (27.7 +/- 8.5). According to SHAI scores, PID and HAE groups had the highest values. A significant positive relationship was found between cyberchondria and health anxiety (r(548) = 0.416, p < 0.001). Conclusions: An increase in cyberchondria raises health anxiety and disease burden among allergy and immunology patients. Therefore, physicians should take this into account when treating these patients.