Evaluating the Cyberchondria Construct Among Computer Engineering Students in Pune (India) Using Cyberchondria...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Internet Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• The internet is a vital tool, but online health information seeking can negatively impact individuals.
• Cyberchondria, characterized by anxiety from excessive online health searches, is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence and severity of cyberchondria among computer engineering students in Pune, India.
• Utilized the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-15) for assessment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 180 third- and fourth-year computer engineering students.
• Data collected via self-administered, English-translated CSS-15 questionnaires using a Likert scale.
• Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• 171 students (95%) completed the survey.
• 100% reported issues with excessiveness and reassurance seeking, 92% with distress, and 75% with compulsion.
• Only 19% showed mistrust of medical professionals; 52% were severely affected by reassurance seeking.

Conclusions:

• All surveyed computer engineering students exhibited symptoms of cyberchondria.
• The internet's vast information can induce anxiety and distress, affecting mental, physical, and social well-being.