JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

With Turkey's aging population and widespread internet usage, cyberchondria—excessive internet-based health information seeking—has emerged as a concern affecting elderly individuals' health perception and psychological well-being.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of cyberchondria with health perceptions and psychological well-being among elderly participants in a third age university program.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 352 participants aged 60+ (mean: 67.4±4.7 years) from Tazelenme University, Antalya, Türkiye conducted November-December 2024. Data were collected using the Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short Form (CSS-12), Individual Health Perception Scale (IHPS), and Psychological Well-Being Scale for Older People (PWBS-OP). Statistical analyses included correlation and multiple regression analysis.

Results:

Participants were predominantly male (69.6%), married (58.8%), and university-educated (48.9%); 65.1% had chronic diseases. Significant negative correlations were found between CSS-12 Distress, Compulsion, and Total Scores with both IHPS and PWBS-OP scores (p<0.05). Regression analysis showed absence of chronic disease significantly predicted health perception (p<0.003). Age, marital status, economic status, and absence of undiagnosed illness positively affected psychological well-being, while frequent medical visits, unauthorized testing, excessive internet health research, and higher cyberchondria scores negatively impacted well-being (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

High cyberchondria levels significantly impair elderly adults' psychological well-being and health perception. While demographic factors positively influence health perception, excessive internet-based health seeking deteriorates psychological well-being. Digital health literacy programs, professional online health counseling, and psychological support should be recommended to target cyberchondria risks in elderly populations.