Prevalence and Psychosocial Predictors of Cyberchondria in Nigeria During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Gboyega Emmanuel Abikoye and Abiodun Musibau Lawal
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Gboyega Emmanuel Abikoye: University of Uyo, Nigeria
Abiodun Musibau Lawal: Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning (IJCBPL), 2023, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: The uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and frequently changing information about the virus heighten the potentials cyberchondria. This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of cyberchondria among Nigerians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants (n=406, 268 males, Mage = 37.68 years, SD = 10.78) completed an online survey consisting of validated measures of cyberchondria, health anxiety, neuroticism, quality of life, medical history, and socio-demographic information. Participants (Mscore= 27.44±7.31) reported moderate to high levels of cyberchondria. Results of hierarchical regression showed that although all predictor variables collectively predicted cyberchondria with 22% of explained variance, the strongest predictors of cyberchondria were health anxiety and the number of prior hospital visits. Reducing the level of cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic requires the ability to deal with health-related fear and effectively managing the uncertainties surrounding online health information.

Date: 2023
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