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Ilyas U, Aslam F, Fatima M, Tariq Z, Hotiana U. Health Anxiety, Fear of COVID-19, Nosophobia, and Health-protective Behaviors Among Healthcare Professionals. INNOVATIONS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 21:31-35. [PMID: 38495611 PMCID: PMC10941862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective This study examined fear of COVID-19, nosophobia, health anxiety, and health-protective behaviors among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional, correlational research design was used in this study. The data of healthcare professionals (N=300) from three disciplines of medicine (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery [MBBS], Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BDS], Doctor of Physiotherapy [DPT]) were collected using a purposive sampling technique. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Medical Student Disease Perception and Distress Scale (MSD), Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), and Health Protective Behavior Scale (HBPS) were used as assessment measures. Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze the data obtained. Results Of the 300 participants, 132 (44%) were male and 168 (56%) were female. A total of 199 participants (63.3%) had a MBBS degree, 59 (19.7%) had a BDS degree, and 41 (14%) had a DPT degree. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between nosophobia, health anxiety, and fear of COVID-19, whereas health-protective behavior showed a negative association with health anxiety. Sex, health anxiety, and nosophobia were significant predictors of health-protective behaviors among medical professionals. Conclusion The fear related to COVID-19 is associated with nosophobia and health anxiety among medical professionals, which has a substantial impact on health, work performance, and vulnerability to developing psychological distress if left unmonitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Ilyas
- Ms. Ilyas is Principal Lecturer, Psychology Department, University of Central Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Farwa Aslam
- Ms. Aslam is with Iqra University in Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muqadas Fatima
- Ms. Fatima is with University of Central Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zarmin Tariq
- Ms. Tariq is with University of Management and Technology in Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Usman Hotiana
- Prof. Dr. Hotiana is Head of Behavioral Sciences & Psychiatry Department, Rashid Latif Medical & Dental College in Lahore, Pakistan
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Mrayyan MT, Alkhawaldeh JM, Alfayoumi I, Algunmeeyn A, Abunab HY, Suliman WA, Abu Hasheesh M, Shudifat R. COVID-19 era-related e-learning: a cross-sectional web-scale study of cyberchondria, internet addiction and anxiety-related symptomatology among university nursing students. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071971. [PMID: 37558438 PMCID: PMC10414090 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study assessed COVID-19 era-related e-learning cyberchondria, internet addiction and anxiety-related symptomatology among nursing students. The relationships, predictors and differences between the studied concepts were measured. DESIGN In 2021, a quantitative cross-sectional research design using a web survey with a sample size of 333 nursing students yielded a response rate of 70%. RESULTS Nursing students had a moderate level of cyberchondria, low to moderate internet addiction, a moderate to severe level of anxiety and depression, and a normal stress level. Demographic characteristics, cyberchondria, internet addiction and anxiety-related symptomatology were significantly correlated. Grade point average, age, type of organisation where the students were trained and level of education were significant predictors of the studied variables. Significant differences in the studied concepts were found based on the sample's characteristics such as gender, type of organisations or universities where the students were trained or studied, and age. CONCLUSION Cyberchondria, internet addiction, depression, anxiety and stress symptomatology are troublesome. Higher education organisations might benefit from examining the variables of interest and investigating the relations between internet addiction and depression and anxiety symptomatology among nursing students. Such research will aid in tailoring treatments to assist vulnerable students by targeting counselling and educational efforts toward building a future generation of nurses with reduced cyberchondria, internet addiction and anxiety-related symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd T Mrayyan
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | | | - Imad Alfayoumi
- Basic Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abdullah Algunmeeyn
- Advanced Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hamzeh Y Abunab
- Basic Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - W A Suliman
- Advanced Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Raed Shudifat
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, Mu'tah University College of Nursing, Mu'tah, Jordan
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Scafuto F, Ciacchini R, Orrù G, Crescentini C, Conversano C, Mastorci F, Porricelli M, Gemignani A. COVID-19 Pandemic and Internet Addiction in Young Adults: A Pilot Study on Positive and Negative Psychosocial Correlates. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2023; 20:240-251. [PMID: 37791079 PMCID: PMC10544255 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective During and after the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic period, a strain was put on young adults who have taken refuge in the problematic use of internet, social media, gaming, and gambling. This paper aims to investigate possible correlates of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), hypothesizing anxiety, depression and perceived stress would promote addiction, while mindfulness skills, resilience and socialization would, conversely, hamper IAD, and promote, consequently, a more functional internet use. Method A pilot study was carried out with a sample of 31 young adults, recruited through a snowball sampling using social networks. Participants filled out an online questionnaire including the following measures: Internet Use, Abuse and Addiction (UADI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II); State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ); Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS); Resilience Scale (RS-14). It was also administered an ad hoc questionnaire for the assessment of socialization behaviour (6 items) and gambling (2 items). Results All the measures, but socialization, showed adequate reliability. Our sample showed high levels of anxiety, stress, IA and gambling, while presenting low levels of resilience, the mindful skill of no-reactivity and socialization. The first hypothesis was confirmed, finding positive and significant correlations between Internet Addiction on one side and PSS, STAI-Y1, STAY-2, and BDI II on the other side. We also partially confirmed the second hypothesis about UADI negatively correlated with both RS-14 and Mindful Acting. Finally, no correlations were found between Gambling and IA. Conclusions In conclusion, the more one perceives an emotional overload with less stress-control, high anxiety, and depression, and the less one can leverage on the skills of mindful acting and resilience, the more one uses the internet as a strategy to escape from a threatening reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Scafuto
- Department of Language, Literature, Communication, Education and Society-University of Udine
| | - Rebecca Ciacchini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology-University of Pisa
| | - Graziella Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology-University of Pisa
| | - Cristiano Crescentini
- Department of Language, Literature, Communication, Education and Society-University of Udine
| | - Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology-University of Pisa
| | - Francesca Mastorci
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology-University of Pisa
| | - Marika Porricelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology-University of Pisa
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology-University of Pisa
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Heidari A, Motamed M, Rahimi Forushani A, Alaghband-Rad J. The Association Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Medical Students. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:453-459. [PMID: 37015108 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are the two most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders affecting communication and behavior. The co-occurrence of these conditions is probable and can contribute to several challenges in adaptive functioning and academic achievement.In this cross-sectional study, 168 Iranian medical students (107 female, 61 male) studying at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2021 were enrolled. We administered the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) questionnaires online to assess different symptoms of ASD and ADHD in our sample. In this study, the RAADS-R was translated into Persian and validated for the first time in Iran.The correlation tests demonstrated a significant association between the total score and different subscales' scores of the RAADS-R and the total score and the two subscales' scores of the ASRS questionnaire (p < 0.001, 0.27 < Spearman correlation coefficient < 0.51). This study also illustrated a high prevalence of ASD and ADHD symptoms among the participants. Moreover, male respondents had a significantly higher prevalence of ASD symptoms (57.3% in males vs. 28.03% in females, p < 0.001).This study indicated that the distinct impairments in behavior and cognition attributed to ASD and ADHD could be common manifestations in medical students. Given that the co-occurrence of these disorders may lead to significant challenges in their professional life, the early diagnosis and subsequent support for medical students with co-occurring expressions of ASD and ADHD could be extremely helpful, as it could indirectly improve the medical services provided to patients by future physicians, leading to an improvement in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Javad Alaghband-Rad
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abu Khait A, Mrayyan MT, Al-Rjoub S, Rababa M, Al-Rawashdeh S. Cyberchondria, Anxiety Sensitivity, Hypochondria, and Internet Addiction: Implications for Mental Health Professionals. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-12. [PMID: 36254213 PMCID: PMC9556280 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03815-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive online searches for health information increase anxieties and result in Internet addiction. Internet addiction, cyberchondria, anxiety sensitivity, and hypochondria have been studied separately, but how these concepts are reciprocally linked has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine the levels, correlations, and predictors of Internet addiction, cyberchondria, anxiety sensitivity, and hypochondria among students based on the sample's characteristics. A sample of 143 university students participated in this cross-sectional online survey. A self-reported questionnaire was employed to collect data from students. The studied concepts had moderate to high correlations with each other and with the students' characteristics. Not getting infected with the coronavirus was among the demographic factors inserted into the regression model that only predicted cyberchondria. The model of cyberchondria was significant and explained 11.5% of the variance in the score of concepts. The results of the standard regression analysis indicated that the model predicting Internet addiction accounted for 41.2% of the variability. Our unique findings indicate that cyberchondria can contribute to developing Internet addiction compared to earlier studies. The findings suggest the importance of empowering students to overcome their anxieties by managing cyberchondria and Internet addiction. Mental health professionals, namely psychiatric nurses, are at the forefront of taking preventive mental health measures on campus, such as screening and referring students who exhibit these problems to psychological support and counseling to cope with their anxieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Abu Khait
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330,127, 13133 Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Majd T. Mrayyan
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330,127, 13133 Zarqa, Jordan
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Saleem Al-Rjoub
- Department of Community and Mental Health- Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330,127, 13133 Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Majdi Rababa
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing , The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330,127, 13133 Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Sami Al-Rawashdeh
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing , The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330,127, 13133 Zarqa, Jordan
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Sahin Karaduman G, Basak T, Santana Fialho Sim-Sim MM. Coronavirus and Health Anxiety of Nursing Students in Two Different Countries. J Transcult Nurs 2022; 33:742-751. [PMID: 36062864 DOI: 10.1177/10436596221121326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Even under normal circumstances, anxiety is quite common among nursing students. Therefore, this study compared nursing students' health and coronavirus anxiety in two European countries. METHOD The sample of the descriptive, cross-sectional study consisted of 685 undergraduate students studying at two different nursing schools in Turkey and Portugal. The study data were collected with the Personnel Data Collection Form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Short Health Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS While there was no difference between the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores of Turkish and Portuguese nursing students (p > .05), a statistically significant difference was found between the Short Health Anxiety Inventory total scores and negative consequences scores (p < .05). DISCUSSION Against the pandemic that the whole world is experiencing, it is recommended to compare nursing students in a cultural context and take precautions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gul Sahin Karaduman
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tulay Basak
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Gulhane Faculty of Nursing, Ankara, Turkey
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Al-Rawashdeh S, Mrayyan MT, Abu Khait A, Rababa M. Differences in Cyberchondria, Internet Addiction, Anxiety Sensitivity, Health Anxiety, and Coronavirus Anxiety Among Students: A Web-Based Comparative Survey. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/11876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Mrayyan MT, Al-Atiyyat N, Abu Khait A, Al-Rawashdeh S, Algunmeeyn A, Abunab HY. Does cyberchondria predict Internet addiction among students during the COVID-19 pandemic? A web-based survey study. Nurs Forum 2022; 57:337-343. [PMID: 34978086 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous literature has investigated the association of this phenomenon and Internet addiction. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted to elucidate the predictive associations among these concepts among students. OBJECTIVE This study reported students' cyberchondria and Internet addiction, and it examined whether cyberchondria predicts Internet addiction. MATERIAL AND METHODS During the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-sectional data were collected using a web survey from a convenience snowball sample of 143 students enrolled in e-learning courses at a governmental university. RESULTS A moderate level of cyberchondria and a mild level of Internet addiction was evident among students. A moderate level of cyberchondria and a mild level of Internet addiction was evident among students. Moderate to high significant correlations were reported among the studied concepts and with the sample's characteristics. Cyberchondria and unavailability of the Internet at school were predictors of Internet addiction. IMPLICATIONS Healthcare providers, including nurses, should provide information that preserves students' mental health during stressful periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic and should offer clear instructions on stress and anxiety management during such times. A longer scale, especially for cyberchondria, is warranted in future research with a random and larger sample. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that cyberchondria serves as a predictor of Internet addiction, contrary to findings of previous studies. Various psychosocial interventions should always be initiated to help students prevent or address cyberchondria and Internet addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd T Mrayyan
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Nijmeh Al-Atiyyat
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Abdallah Abu Khait
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Sami Al-Rawashdeh
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Abdullah Algunmeeyn
- Department of Advanced Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hamza Yousef Abunab
- Department of Basic Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
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