Examination of the correlation between Cyberchondria, problematic internet use and health anxiety among adolescents

This study aims to examine the correlation between cyberchondria, problematic internet use, and health anxiety among adolescents METHOD: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 400 students between January 2025 and march 2025. Data were collected using a "Socio-Demographic Data Form", the "Cyberchondria Severity Scale-Short Form (CSS-12)," the "Problematic Internet Use Scale (PIUS)", and the "Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI)" RESULTS: Findings of the study revealed no significant difference between the CSS-12 mean scores and the variables (p > .05). Significant differences were observed between the total and subscale scores of the PIUS and the HAI in terms of daily internet use duration, age, and chronic disease status (p < .05). A weak positive significant correlation was found between the CSS-12 and PIUS (p < .05). Similarly, there was a weak positive significant correlation between the CSS-12 and the HAI, and between the PIUS and the HAI (p < .05) CONCLUSION: It was determined that higher levels of cyberchondria among students were associated with increased problematic internet use and health anxiety. Furthermore, higher levels of problematic internet use increased health anxiety. Developing awareness programs for students and implementing measures to filter health-related information on websites may have positive effects PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study provides important implications for paediatric nursing practice. Paediatric nurses can play a key role in educating adolescents and their parents about cyberchondria, problematic internet use, and health anxiety. They can participate in and implement interventions aimed at preventing these behaviours.