Assessment of cyberchondria and health anxiety among patients referred to a periodontology clinic

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of cyberchondria and health anxiety among individuals attending a periodontology clinic, and to examine the associations of these psychological conditions with periodontal parameters, symptoms, and sociodemographic variables. A total of 98 participants were included in the study; each completed the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Cyberchondria Scale, and the Health Anxiety Inventory. In addition, clinical assessments were performed to evaluate plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, recession depth, and bleeding on probing. Significant differences were observed in the total and subscale scores of the Cyberchondria Scale and the Health Anxiety Inventory across patient groups with different periodontal statuses (healthy, gingivitis, periodontitis). Participants in the periodontitis group obtained the highest scores on both scales. A strong positive correlation was found between the total scores of the two scales. The subscales of Compulsion, Distress, Excessiveness, and Reassurance on the Cyberchondria Scale also showed significant associations with health anxiety levels. Among periodontal symptoms, the presence of gingival bleeding, sensitivity, recession, and mobility were positively associated with the subscales of both scales. All clinical periodontal parameters demonstrated significant correlations, particularly with the Compulsion and Distress subscales. Regarding sociodemographic factors, higher education level was associated with significantly lower scores on both scales, whereas individuals with a history of systemic disease had higher levels of both cyberchondria and health anxiety.In conclusion, levels of cyberchondria and health anxiety were identified in patients attending the periodontology clinic and were found to be associated with periodontal patient groups.