Hande Nur ÖNCÜ, Oğuz Kaan KÖKSAL, Şahin Kaan BAYDEMİR, Candost HANEDAN, Çağanay SOYSAL, Vakkas KORKMAZ
Anatolian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research - 2026;3(2):118-123
Purpose: To evaluate the level of internet-related health anxiety and the factors associated with it in women diagnosed with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN). Methods: Women diagnosed with EIN were included in the study. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded. Internet-related health anxiety was assessed using the cyberchondria severity scale-12 (CSS-12) with higher scores suggesting increased anxiety. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for between-group comparisons. Variables associated with the total CSS-12 score at p<0.10 in univariate analysis were included in the multivariable linear regression model. Results: A total of 78 women participated with a median age of 44 (26-69) years, and median BMI of 32.1 kg/m2 (21.8-47.6). The median total CSS-12 score was 31 (12-60), with higher scores indicating greater internet-related health anxiety. In univariate analysis, women younger than 40 years had significantly higher CSS-12 scores than women aged 40 years or older (37 vs. 31, p=0.004). CSS-12 scores were also significantly higher in nulliparous women than in multiparous women (45 vs. 32, p=0.003), and in women with fertility desire than in those without fertility desire (42 vs. 29, p<0.001). No significant association was found between educational level and CSS-12 score (p=0.200). In multivariable linear regression analysis, age younger than 40 years [B=5.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.18-8.64, p=0.001], nulliparity (B=4.83, 95% CI: 1.56-8.10, p=0.005), and fertility desire (B=7.68, 95% CI: 3.94-11.42, p<0.001) were independently associated with the total CSS-12 score. Conclusion: Among women diagnosed with EIN, greater levels of internet-related health anxiety was associated with age <40 years, nulliparity, and ongoing fertility desire. Accurate post-diagnosis information, guidance toward reliable online resources, and individualized counseling may help reduce internet-related health anxiety in this patient group.
