Evaluation Of the Readiness of Family Physicians In the Prevention of Cyberchondria

The purpose of this research is to determine the readiness of family physicians to prevent cyberchondria.

The Family Physicians' Cyberchondria Levels Assessment Questionnaire was applied to 124 family physicians to determine readiness.

Family physicians mention that there can be accurate data on diagnosis and treatments on the internet (62%), but patients' anxiety increases (88%); reach physicians and find answers on the websites of family physicians. Individuals with low health literacy research on the internet are concerned about family physicians (84.6%). Family physicians declare patients have medication with Internet information (84%), diagnose themselves with research on the internet (85.2%), and have high anxiety levels (83.2%). The family physicians use WhatsApp (90.3%) to answer patients' questions and increase cyberchondria awareness. The family physicians have knowledge about cyberchondria, accept cyberchondria as a health problem, and have computer literacy.

The Internet provides individuals with a low-cost and easily accessible source of health information. The patients researching the internet have high anxiety and low health literacy. To prevent cyberchondria, direct communication with family physicians, development of health literacy, and facilitating access to communication and counseling services on the internet by central health authorities are essential.