Prevalence and factors associated with cyberchondria among undergraduates at the University of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

While digital shifts offer accessibility and empowerment, they also pose growing public health concerns, particularly the rise of Cyberchondria, an emerging condition where repeated health-related searches lead to anxiety and emotional distress. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of Cyberchondria among undergraduates at the University of Cross River State, Nigeria. An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample size of 400 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Cyberchondria prevalence was measured using the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-15). Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). The study achieved a 100% response rate. A total of 87.8% reported owning smartphones. The prevalence of Cyberchondria among respondents was 50.4%. Among the CSS-15 constructs, Excessiveness (35.6%) was the most prominent, followed by Reassurance (26.2%), Distress (22.5%), and Compulsion (17.1%). Approximately 33.6% of students reported searching for health information a few times weekly, while 59.8% relied on healthcare provider websites. Key factors associated with Cyberchondria included recurrent health concerns (70.4%), the need to verify diagnoses (70.1%), high healthcare costs (79.2%), social media influence (78.1%), ease of internet access (79.5%), and emotional relief from reassuring content (80.3%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between the prevalence of Cyberchondria and being female (χ² = 15.427, P = 0.001). The findings highlight the growing need for digital health literacy and structured health education among undergraduates to promote responsible online health-seeking behaviour and reduce the risk of health-related anxiety.