The Relationship Between Cyberchondria and E-Health Literacy Level in Oncology Patients

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to explore how e-health literacy is related to cyberchondria among individuals receiving oncology care.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 206 cancer patients who sought care at XXX Research Hospital between December 2021 and April 2022. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, the E-Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and the Cyberchondria Severity Scale-33 (CSS-33). Statistical analyses involved descriptive measures (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations), along with independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression techniques.Results: The regression model assessing the impact of e-health literacy on cyberchondria yielded statistically significant results, F(1.203) = 50.57, p < 0.001. E-health literacy accounted for 20% of the variance in cyberchondria severity (R² = 0.20) and exhibited a significant positive influence (β = 0.44; t(203) = 7.126; p < 0.001). The resulting regression equation was expressed as: Cyberchondria Severity Score = 61.862 + 1.37 × E-Health Literacy Score.Conclusion: The study's findings revealed a statistically significant relationship, indicating that individuals with higher levels of e-health literacy also tend to exhibit greater severity of cyberchondria. This highlights the importance of designing interventions that promote accurate online health information practices. It is recommended that healthcare professionals be empowered to address digital misinformation and guide patients in developing responsible internet search behaviors.