Cognitive behavioural theory suggests that excessive use of the Internet for health purposes can contribute to health anxiety but previous research examining the relationship between health anxiety and health-related Internet use is limited. This thesis aimed to explore if and how health-related Internet utilization and health anxiety are related, and whether such Internet use can exacerbate the health anxiety of health anxious individuals. Study 1 aimed to examine the possible relationship between health anxiety and the extent of, reasons for, and effects of health-related Internet use in university students, using a bespoke, theory-based questionnaire. Results suggested that health anxiety was significantly related to heightened and potentially problematic health-related Internet use, including: more frequent use, a greater proportion of health (vs. non-health) information sought, more time spent online for health purposes, more searches for illness information, and heightened tension post-search. We also found correlations between health anxiety and six-items concerning possible Internet addiction for health purposes. Study 2 sought to obtain information about health anxious individuals’ perspectives on health-related Internet use, using qualitative methodology. Themes uncovered during analysis were consistent with the results of study 1, and highlighted several other aspects of health-related Internet use that were relevant to health anxious users, including: metacognitions, Internet disadvantages, and health anxiety for others etc. Study 3 used the results of studies 1 and 2 to develop and psychometrically evaluate a new Internet use questionnaire in a large, non-clinical sample. Results suggested that the measure was both valid and reliable. Spearman correlations and simultaneous regressions substantiated previous findings from our earlier studies. Three aspects of health- related Internet use were uniquely predictive of health anxiety (illness-related Internet use: self; problematic use of the Internet for health purposes; anxiety post-search/perceived adverse consequences of searching). Study 4 aimed to determine the effects of presenting online health information in a manner designed to facilitate disconfirmatory information processing on subsequent anxiety, worry and illness beliefs. Results suggested that facilitating disconfirmatory information in this way was ineffective in reducing negative emotional outcomes post-search. Study 5 compared the frequency of ‘query escalations’ (searches for common, benign symptoms escalating to the consideration of serious causes/diseases) during online health searches between high and low health anxious students. We also examined the participants’ rationale for escalating queries and the effects of escalating on anxiety. Results found instances of query escalation in both high and low health anxious groups; though high health anxious participants were more likely to escalate their queries. Both groups reported increased anxiety post-escalation. In the final chapter I briefly summarise our studies, discuss major findings and the implications of our research, critically appraise our methodology, choices, and studies, and make recommendations for future research in this area.

As a patient you can find a lot of information concerning health and diseaseson the Internet. Purpose: The purpose of my study is to gain a betterunderstanding of how physicians relate to well-informed patientsfrom the point of doctor's changing role in meeting the patient related to theweb-based patient information. Today's patients are turning increasingly tothe Internet before they visit their doctor, this is due to the electronic healthinformation is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while the regulardoctor usually have several weeks of waiting. Problems that can arise with theWeb-based information is that the patient does not have a medical educationto know whether the information is appropriate or not. Method: To explorethese questions, I decided to use both qualitative semi-structured postalquestionnaires and telephone interviews in which the physicians preferreddifferently. My respondents were five licensed physicians who had experienceof many patients encounters. Findings: The physicians in myresearch have an overall positive and relaxed attitude towards patients whoseek information on the Internet. Nevertheless, they say it is important topoint out that its a bad idea to rely only on Internet sources. This becauseInternet is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Amedical doctor not only need to make a personal examination but also havethe education, experience and the critical eye that is needed to make the rightdiagnosis. The physicians in my study often prefer the medical professionaljournals to Internet as a result of old habits related to their medical educationand the feeling that these journals are more thrustworty. Still, the physiciansagreed that they sometimes themselves find the World Wide Web useful ifthey are from reliable sources. / Program: Bibliotekarie

Finding health information online continues to help patients understand new symptoms. However, incomplete information or advice that errs on the site of caution can cause distress or anxiety and prompt visits to a doctor. Cyberchondria, a new phenomenon, is defined as excessive compulsive searching for health information online that leads to distress and increase utilization of healthcare services. Grounded theory guided the conception of a mixed method study to investigate cyberchondria and symptom appraisal within Emergency Departments. A questionnaire and interviews were used to collect data from patients visiting a local Emergency Room. Results showed 63.3% of respondents looked up their symptoms online before their visit, and exhibited higher levels of cyberchondria and health anxiety than those who did not (p .001, p .004), and that health information consulted online can impact the decision to seek out immediate care. Strategies are needed to improve and promote quality online sources to benefit both seekers and services.