“Muddling by googling” – Cyberchondria among outpatient attendees of two hospitals in Sri Lanka

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The internet is widely used as a source of health information, and the negative effects of this practice is well documented. Cyberchondria, the unfounded escalation of concerns about common symptoms based on review of online information has been identified as a major concern. This area has not been studied in Sri Lanka. AIMS: We studied the prevalence, nature and effects of cyberchondria among outpatients in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Data was gathered from 300 outpatients, 150 patients each attending a government and private hospital in Western province using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 300 participants 178 were female and the average age was 42 years. Only 24% of the participants used the internet as an information source on health related issues. The prevalence of cyberchondria was 16.3% in our study population. Cyberchondria was significantly more common among outpatients of the private hospital. A majority of patients who made a self-diagnosis using online information had made an incorrect diagnosis. One third of internet users felt anxious after searching about their symptoms and 34% sought further medical advice following internet use. CONCLUSIONS: The possible negative effects of online health information is a concern in Sri Lanka. Further studies and public education regarding this area in Sri Lanka are required.