Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

December 18, 2020

Cyberchondria in the Age of COVID-19

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  • A study examining the relationship between cyberchondria (excessively searching the web for health-related information) and COVID-19 concern and safety behaviors in Croatia found that high cyberchondria and high levels of concern were associated with intense avoidance behaviors. There was a pronounced increase in concerns regarding COVID-19 as well as significant behavioral changes between the day of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Croatia (February 24th, 2020) and the day of the first COVID-19 fatality (March 19th, 2020). Results indicated that cyberchondria played a role in these changes, and the authors suggest that cyberchondria may be a contributing factor to long-term anxiety.

Jokic-Begic et al. (Dec 17, 2020). Cyberchondria in the Age of COVID-19. PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243704