Cyberchondria, Uncertainty, and Psychological Distress during COVID-19: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the relationship between cyberchondria, psychological distress, and uncertainty in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was collected through an online survey from 393 Omani participants using the short-form version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Means, standard deviations, percentages, and frequencies were used to describe the participants' demographic information. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation were used to conclude. The results showed that most participants were aged between 18-26 and 45-54 years (32.8% and 30.8%, respectively). Almost three-quarters of the participants were female (n = 291, 74%) and half were single (n = 218, 55.5%). No significant associations were found between cyberchondria and the socio-demographic factors or the COVID-19 status. However, a significant positive fair correlation was found between cyberchondriac experiences and psychological distress (rs = 0.373) and cyberchondria and uncertainty (rs = 0.442); p < 0.05. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind investigating the relationship between cyberchondria, physiological distress, and uncertainty among the Omani population. Policymakers and stakeholders are encouraged to facilitate the reporting and observation of accurate and up-to-date information distributed to the population to avoid misleading information and thus reduce the distress and uncertainty related to cyberchondriac behaviors.
Keywords: cyberchondria, uncertainty, COVID-19, psychological distress.
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