Cyberchondria in High-risk Pregnant Women: Its Relationship with Depression and Anxiety
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Abstract
Introduction: Increased stress and anxiety can cause significant physiological and psychological pressure in high-risk pregnant women. As a result, they may seek information from various sources on the risks they experience during this period.
Objective: This study aims to determine cyberchondria levels and examine their relationship with depression and anxiety in high-risk pregnant women.
Method: This study used a descriptive, correlational design and was conducted with pregnant women (n = 216) diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy in the obstetrics clinic of a state hospital between July and December 2024. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS).
Results: The mean scores found were 32.53 ± 19.270 for the BDI, 31.75 ± 20.227 for the BAI, and 34.06 ± 14.757 for the CSS. A positive, moderately significant relationship was found between the BDI, BAI, and CSS. The study detected high levels of depression and anxiety, together with moderate levels of cyberchondria in high-risk pregnant women.
Discussion and conclusion: Health professionals should refer pregnant women to internet sources where they can obtain accurate information to reduce the negative effects of online health searches, and develop and control online platforms designed for pregnant women.
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