An investigation of the relationship between rational drug use and cyberchondria among parents admitting to the emergency department

ABSTRACT An Investigation of the Relationship Between Rational Drug Use and Cyberchondria Among Parents Admitting to the Emergency Department Nuri SARI Master's Thesis Nursing Department Thesis Advisor Assoc. Dr. Ela VAROL 2025,74 Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between the levels of cyberchondria among parents who visit the emergency department and their attitudes toward rational drug use. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between December 1, 2024 and April 1, 2025 with 389 parents who presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department of Ağrı Training and Research Hospital. It was designed as a cross-sectional and correlational survey model. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Short Form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, and the Parental Attitude Scale for Rational Drug Use. The sample size was determined using the G*Power 3.1 statistical software. In the sample calculation, a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05) and a 5% margin of error (d = 0.05) were considered. Depending on the normal distribution characteristics of the data, appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests as well as Pearson correlation analysis were applied. A p-value of <0.05 was accepted as the threshold for statistical significance. Results: The mean score of the Parental Attitude Scale Toward Rational Drug Use was found to be 160.31±21.34, while the mean score of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale was 35.17±10.17. A weak negative correlation was identified between attitudes toward rational drug use and the level of cyberchondria (r=-0.271, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed that as the level of cyberchondria increases among parents visiting the emergency department, their attitudes toward rational drug use become more negative. The findings also showed that demographic variables such as education, income, age, and chronic illness significantly influence these attitudes. Keywords: Rational Drug Use, Parent, Cyberchondria