Abstract: 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.