Evaluation of the relationship between cyberchondria and pregnancy in pregnant women who applied to a tertiary helath institution in Çorum

Indroduction and Aim: Although online information seeking behavior may differ between genders, the literature shows that this behavior is more common in women and especially in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the level of cyberchondria in pregnant women admitted to a tertiary hospital and to identify pregnant women who should be approached more carefully by determining the sociodemographic factors affecting the level of cyberchondria and to provide anxiety management of these pregnant women, thus preventing possible misapplications and complications. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between 01.04.2023-30.06.2023 with 73 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and applied to the Family Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinics of Çorum Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital. Interviews were conducted face-to-face. The participants were administered the Sociodemographic Data Form and Cyberchondria Severity Scale, which were prepared by the researcher and the administrator based on a literature review. Results: As a result of the study, statistically significant correlations were found between cyberchondria total score and education (r=0,398; p<0,01), chronic disease (r=0,246; p<0,01), gestational week (r=-0,232; p<0,01) and information source (r=0,276; p<0,01). The difference of the compulsion score according to the groups of risky status in pregnancy was statistically significant (p<0,05). The difference of anxiety score according to information source groups was statistically significant (p<0,05). The difference of the distrust of health care professionals score according to education and gestational week groups was statistically significant (p<0,05). The difference of the excessiveness score according to education and having a chronic disease groups was statistically significant (p<0,05). The difference in the relief score according to age groups was statistically significant (p<0,05). Conclusion: The level of cyberchondria increases as the level of education increases in pregnant women. The presence of chronic diseases also increases the level of cyberchondria. As the gestational week increases, the level of cyberchondria decreases. In addition, the type of information source consulted in case of a health problem affects the level of cyberchondria. Keywords: Cyberchondria, Pregnancy, Health Anxiety