Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Health anxiety can be described as excessive, persistent concern about one's health, often in the absence of objective health risks. The aim of this study was to examine the extent and characteristics of health anxiety among healthy adults and to explore the relationship between sociodemographic factors, general well-being, and social support and health anxiety.
METHODS: We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional study using online data collection involving adults aged 25-65 who did not suffer from chronic diseases (N=116). Data collection was performed using a self-designed questionnaire and validated measurement tools (SHAI, MSPSS, WHO-5). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 28.0 software, applying a two-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and correlation calculation (p<0.05).
RESULTS: The majority of participants had secondary or higher education. The presence of health anxiety was confirmed, and its extent did not differ significantly from the results of previous studies. The highest levels of anxiety were associated with increased perception of physical sensations and the perceived quality of life-destroying effects of serious illness. Most sociodemographic variables (age, gender, educational attainment, number of children) did not significantly influence the level of health anxiety, but married individuals showed lower anxiety scores than divorced individuals (p<0.05). A more favorable subjective health status (p<0.05), higher general well-being (p<0.05), and greater social support (p<0.05) were associated with lower health anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that health anxiety is a phenomenon that is also present among healthy adults and is closely related to psychosocial factors. Strengthening social support and general well-being may play an important role in preventing and reducing health anxiety.