Investigation of cyberchondria level and digital literacy on women in Turkey

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the effect of women’s perceptions of digital literacy on their cyberchondria levels and determine whether their digital literacy perceptions and cyberchondria levels differ according to some socio-demographic characteristics. Data were collected in the Internet environment from 740 women living in Turkey via surveys generated through Google Forms within the study. According to the correlation analysis results, positive and weak relations were found between cyberchondria levels and digital literacy. According to the regression model, the increase in the participants’ perceptions of digital literacy statistically increases their cyberchondria levels. It was also determined that women’s digital literacy scores show statistically significant differences according to age, marital status, educational level, place of residence, and internet usage. On the other hand, it has been determined that the cyberchondria levels of women show significant differences according to their education and income levels. Cyberchondriac behavior demonstrates that digital transformation in health can reveal its negative consequences. For this reason, it is very important to provide training to women on digital literacy and to raise awareness about what needs to be considered in terms of accessing health-related information in these trainings. In addition, it is considered vital to take measures to reduce the anxiety of those who show cyberchondria behavior and to raise awareness that this is a serious problem. Thus, possible mental health problems can be reduced by preventing cyberchondriac behaviors.