The relationship between cyberchondria and health literacy among first-year nursing students: the mediating effect of health anxiety

Abstract Background First-year nursing students are at a critical juncture in their education. They are transitioning from laypersons to healthcare professionals, and students are frequently exposed to medical information in academic settings and through personal research. This exposure can sometimes lead to cyberchondria; improving health literacy and managing health anxiety are critical strategies for reducing the incidence of cyberchondria. Aim Investigate the mediating effect of health anxiety on cyberchondria and health literacy among first-year nursing students. Methods A cross-sectional correlational research design was used in this study. The study was conducted with 475 students in October 2023 during the first semester of the academic year 2023–2024. Results Cyberchondria and health literacy levels were both moderate. In addition, the degree of health anxiety among first-year Nursing Students was mild, too. The results showed that the association between Cyberchondria and Health Literacy was partially mediated by health anxiety. Conclusion and implications This study highlights the sophisticated relationship between cyberchondria, health literacy, and anxiety among first-year nursing students. It demonstrates that lower health literacy can lead to increased health anxiety, which in turn exacerbates cyberchondria. To mitigate these issues, it is essential to enhance health literacy and provide support for managing health anxiety within nursing education programs. By doing so, we can help nursing students navigate online health information effectively and reduce unnecessary health-related anxieties, promoting better educational outcomes and overall well-being.