Factors Associated With Health Perception and Psychological Well-Being Among Third-Age University Students: Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Cyberchondria
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2026
Yazarlar: Semra Gündoğdu, Özlem Özgür, Aslı KILAVUZ, İsmail Tufan
JMIR Human Factors, Uluslararası, Scopus, 2026, cilt 13, ss e83371-e83371
DOI: 10.2196/83371
Özet
Abstract Background With Türkiye’s aging population and widespread internet usage, the excessive seeking of health information through online platforms, formally identified as cyberchondria, has emerged as a concern affecting older individuals’ health perception and psychological well-being. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association of cyberchondria with health perceptions and psychological well-being among older participants in a third-age university program. Methods This cross-sectional study included 352 participants aged ≥60 (mean 67.4, SD 4.7) years from Tazelenme University, Antalya, Türkiye, and was conducted between November and December 2024. Data were collected using the Cyberchondria Severity Scale Short Form (CSS-12), Individual Health Perception Scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale for Older People (PWBS-OP). Statistical analyses included correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results The mean age of the 352 participants was 67.4 (SD 4.7, range 60-87) years, 38.6% (n=136) were first-year students, 69.6% (n=245) were men, 58.8% (n=207) were married, 48.9% (n=172) were university graduates or above, and 65.1% (n=229) had chronic diseases. Significant negative correlations were found between CSS-12 distress, compulsion, and total scores with both Individual Health Perception Scale and PWBS-OP scores ( P <.05). According to the multiple linear regression analysis, the presence of chronic disease was the only significant positive predictor of higher health perception levels ( B =2.16, 95% CI 1.721-3.593; P =.003), whereas factors such as age, gender, education level, and CSS-12 total scores did not demonstrate a statistically significant impact ( P >.05). Psychological well-being (PWBS-OP) was significantly and positively predicted by age ( B =0.22, 95% CI 0.037-0.399; P =.02), marital status ( B =1.67, 95% CI 1.064-2.716; P =.002), economic status ( B =2.10, 95% CI 1.729-3.464; P =.003), and the thought of having an undiagnosed disease ( B =3.38, 95% CI 1.038-5.830; P =.007), whereas it was significantly and negatively predicted by medical examinations in the past year ( B =−1.29, 95% CI −2.093 to 0.485; P =.002), undergoing examinations without a physician’s recommendation ( B =−2.04, 95% CI −3.794 to −0.290; P =.02), searching for health-related topics on the internet ( B =−1.26, 95% CI −2.152 to −0.360; P =.006), and CSS-12 total scores ( B =−0.13, 95% CI −0.261 to −0.060; P =.04). Conclusions High cyberchondria levels significantly impair older adults’ psychological well-being and health perception. While demographic factors positively influence health perception, excessive internet-based health seeking deteriorates psychological well-being. Digital health literacy programs, professional online health counseling, and psychological support should be recommended to target cyberchondria risks in older populations.