ABSTRACT
Online health research is common during pregnancy, especially if women are facing complications. Given the unpleasant emotions women experience after research, it is surprising that cyberchondria, excessive and repeated online health research caused by anxiety that intensifies such anxiety, has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the predictors of cyberchondria among women with and without pregnancy complications, accounting for health anxiety (a worry regarding personal health) and pregnancy-specific anxiety (concerns related to pregnancy and childbirth). A total of 360 pregnant women completed a questionnaire consisted of Short Health Anxiety Inventory, Pregnancy Concerns Scale and Short Cyberchondria Scale. The results of one-way MANOVA showed that women who had medically complicated pregnancy had higher levels of health anxiety, pregnancy-specific anxiety and cyberchondria compared to those without complications. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that health anxiety and pregnancy-specific anxiety were predictors of cyberchondria but had different roles depending on complications. Pregnancy-specific anxiety predicted cyberchondria in both groups above health anxiety. Health anxiety predicted cyberchondria only in women without complications. In conclusion, women with complications have a higher chance of experiencing cyberchondria. Pregnancy-specific and health anxiety are risk factors for cyberchondria in pregnant women.
Subject(s)
Hypochondriasis , Pregnant Women , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Hypochondriasis/psychology , Anxiety/psychology , Anxiety Disorders/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , InternetABSTRACT
Pregnancy often triggers anxiety and health concerns in women, leading many to search for health information online. Excessive, compulsive, and repetitive online health research, accompanied by heightened anxiety, can result in cyberchondria. This study aimed to explore the risk factors, triggers, and outcomes of cyberchondria in pregnant women. A total of 149 participants completed an online questionnaire longitudinally across three stages of pregnancy: early (14-19 weeks), mid (24-29 weeks), and late pregnancy (34-39 weeks). The findings revealed that health anxiety and the cognitive component of anxiety sensitivity are risk factors for cyberchondria during pregnancy. Pregnancy concerns related to motherhood emerged as triggers for cyberchondria. While a connection between cyberchondria and fear of birth was observed, fear of birth did not appear to be a direct outcome of cyberchondria. These results highlight the importance of addressing health anxiety, cognitive anxiety sensitivity and motherhood concerns in prenatal care and support interventions. Understanding the factors contributing to cyberchondria in pregnant women can assist healthcare professionals in providing targeted support and resources to mitigate excessive online health searching behaviors and alleviate anxiety during pregnancy.
Subject(s)
Hypochondriasis , Pregnant Women , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Hypochondriasis/epidemiology , Hypochondriasis/psychology , Anxiety Disorders/psychology , Anxiety/psychology , Risk Factors , InternetABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to examine the existing mobile applications focused on sexual health and analyze the included content and therapeutic techniques. Three databases with mobile applications were searched and 47 applications met the criteria. More applications have been developed for men, most of them included content for erectile dysfunction, and only one for vaginismus. Most apps included sexuality tips and Kegel exercises, and only one technique for working on thoughts and emotions. In conclusion, a number of mobile applications have been developed to enhance sexual functioning, but scientific verification of their effectiveness has been completely lacking.
