Does cyberchondria predict Internet addiction among students during the COVID-19 pandemic? A web-based survey study

Abstract

Background: Previous literature has investigated the association of this phenomenon and Internet addiction. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted to elucidate the predictive associations among these concepts among students.

Objective: This study reported students' cyberchondria and Internet addiction, and it examined whether cyberchondria predicts Internet addiction.

Material and methods: During the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-sectional data were collected using a web survey from a convenience snowball sample of 143 students enrolled in e-learning courses at a governmental university.

Results: A moderate level of cyberchondria and a mild level of Internet addiction was evident among students. A moderate level of cyberchondria and a mild level of Internet addiction was evident among students. Moderate to high significant correlations were reported among the studied concepts and with the sample's characteristics. Cyberchondria and unavailability of the Internet at school were predictors of Internet addiction.

Implications: Healthcare providers, including nurses, should provide information that preserves students' mental health during stressful periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic and should offer clear instructions on stress and anxiety management during such times. A longer scale, especially for cyberchondria, is warranted in future research with a random and larger sample.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that cyberchondria serves as a predictor of Internet addiction, contrary to findings of previous studies. Various psychosocial interventions should always be initiated to help students prevent or address cyberchondria and Internet addiction.

Keywords: COVID-19; Internet addiction; correlations; cyberchondria; prediction; students.