Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This study aims to summarise the research themes, hotspots, and boundaries in the field of cyberchondria using scientometrics and visual analysis methods. Until 31 December 2022, 181 publications (165 articles, 16 reviews) were identified under the topic of 'cyberchondria' in the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewer was used for analysis. It was observed that publications related to cyberchondria have rapidly developed into a research area in the last 4 years, constituting 79.0% (n = 143) of the total publications. The most common co-occurring keywords are 'cyberchondria', 'health anxiety', and 'COVID-19'. Clusters representing three different themes were obtained by conducting co-occurring keyword analysis. The first and largest cluster comprises 'COVID-19', 'anxiety', and 'internet addiction', the second cluster includes 'cyberchondria' and 'health anxiety', and the third cluster centres around 'health information' and 'health education' keywords. This study has mapped out the information landscape of cyberchondria research over the past 20 years using scientometric and visual analysis methods. The significant increase in recent years indicates a diversification and continued growth in studies conducted in this field. By presenting the general state of the field, this study provides valuable insights for future research endeavours.
Source: Stress and Health
DOI: 10.1002/smi.3524
Authors: Caner Baysan, Seher Palanbek Yavaş
Institutions: Ege University, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,070
OpenAlex ID: W4405576698