Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cyberchondria: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Cyberchondria, defined as heightened health anxiety and distress arising from excessive online searches about medical symptoms or risks, is an emerging mental health concern in the digital era. However, less synthesized evidence exists on its prevalence, associated factors, and their impact on health. This scoping review synthesized evidence on its prevalence, associated factors, and impacts. Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework, four databases (PubMed, Scopus, JSTOR, Dimensions), alongside Google Scholar and reference lists, were systematically searched. A total of 42 studies were included. Prevalence estimates ranged from 30.7% to 55.6%, with consistent links to health anxiety, internet addiction, and anxiety sensitivity. Demographic variations were observed by age, gender, and occupation. Significant predictors included health anxiety, depression, stress, and maladaptive metacognitive beliefs. Reported consequences included self-diagnosis, self-medication, and reliance on safety behaviors highlighting risks for inappropriate healthcare use and adverse mental health outcomes. Addressing these findings requires targeted interventions that promote digital health literacy, responsible online health information-seeking, and early identification of individuals at risk of excessive health-related internet use. Future longitudinal and cross-cultural research should build on these correlates and predictors to clarify causal pathways and inform evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.