CYBERCHONDRIA AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF NURSING STUDENTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Author Name: 1. Mrs. Neethu Miriam Abraham, 2. Prof. Dr. Pradeep V S

Volume/Issue: 06/04

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/09.2025-68266174/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Ph.D Scholar, Malwanchal University, India.
2. Research Supervisor, Malwanchal University, India.

ABSTRACT

Background: Nursing students frequently rely on online health information for academic and personal purposes. Excessive health-related searching, termed cyberchondria, is linked to health anxiety, stress, and problematic internet use, potentially affecting academic performance. Objective: This review synthesizes recent evidence (2020–2025) on the relationship between cyberchondria and academic performance among nursing students and related health-professional cohorts. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included cyberchondria, nursing students, academic performance, health anxiety, and digital literacy. Studies published in English between 2020 and 2025 were reviewed. Results: Thirteen relevant studies were identified. Cyberchondria prevalence is high among nursing and health-science students, often associated with internet addiction, health anxiety, and low eHealth literacy. Direct links between cyberchondria and academic performance were found in Jordanian nursing students and Indian dental students. Indirect pathways through anxiety, smartphone addiction, and poor health literacy were reported in multiple contexts, including Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan. Conclusion: Cyberchondria negatively affects academic performance via distraction, anxiety, and impaired concentration. However, when paired with strong digital health literacy, responsible online searching may support learning. Faculty-led interventions should target digital literacy, stress management, and healthy internet use.

Key words: Cyberchondria, Nursing students, Academic performance, Health anxiety, Digital health literacy.