Investigation of the effect of cyberchondria and health literacy on quality of life in academics (the case of foundation universities)

In this study, the effects of cyberchondria and health literacy on quality of life among academics working in foundation universities were examined. This study investigated how academics' easy access to information and their ability to use this information affect their health perceptions and quality of life. In addition, the relationship between cyberchondria and health literacy and the reflections of this relationship on quality of life were also examined. In this context, the aim of the study is to determine the cyberchondria and health literacy levels of academics working in foundation universities and to reveal the effects of these two variables on quality of life. In the study, the survey method was used to examine the effects of cyberchondria and health literacy on quality of life. The questionnaire method is an effective tool to reach a wide range of participants and to realize the data collection process in a systematic way. A total of 488 responses were collected through questionnaires. In light of the collected data, the accuracy and consistency of the scales were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Following this, Smart PLS software, which calculates the relationships between variables in detail through structural equation modeling and linear factor analysis, was used. As a result of the analysis, a strong and positive relationship was found between health literacy and quality of life, while cyberchondria had a direct negative effect on quality of life. In addition, health literacy was found to indirectly reduce the negative impact of cyberchondria on quality of life.