Introduction:

The widespread use of the internet has made health information more accessible. However, it has also increased problems such as health anxiety and cyberchondria.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess cyberchondria levels in allergy and immunology clinic patients and examine the relationship between cyberchondria and health anxiety.

Material and methods:

This study was conducted on patients diagnosed with allergic disorders, chronic urticaria, hereditary angioedema (HAE), and primary immunodeficiency (PID). Cyberchondria severity was assessed using the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12), while health anxiety was evaluated using the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI).

Results:

A total of 550 patients were included in the study, with 71% of the participants being female. The highest CSS-12 scores were observed in the HAE group (33.5 ±8.8), followed by the PID group (28.4 ±8.6). The allergic disorders group had the lowest level of cyberchondria severity (27.7 ±8.5). According to SHAI scores, PID and HAE groups had the highest values. A significant positive relationship was found between cyberchondria and health anxiety (r(548) = 0.416, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

An increase in cyberchondria raises health anxiety and disease burden among allergy and immunology patients. Therefore, physicians should take this into account when treating these patients.