Impact of Excessive Online Health Searches on Parental Well-Being

Authors

  • Al-Laine E. Alba Saint Louis University– Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Ma. Michaela L. Alcantara Saint Louis University– Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Christine Dianne A. Casabar Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Sophia Czarina T. Castañeda Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Jehan Gwyneth U. Gabiola Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Jasmine Bae H. Galaboc Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Ralph Angelo S. Lugod Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Adriano Lorenzo L. Macapugay Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Reem Angela A. Manzanero Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Julianne Theodore M. Marzan Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Charlize Maegan B. Meneses Saint Louis University – Baguio City, Philippines Author
  • Rachel C. Alfonso, MN, RN Saint Louis University image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64397/nepj.v02i01.2026.a23

Keywords:

Cyberchondria, Health Anxiety, Parental Well-being, Parents

Abstract

Introduction: Technology transformed how parents access health information, but excessive online searches, or cyberchondria, can fuel reassurance-seeking and anxiety in managing family health. Demographic factors like age, education, socioeconomic status, and family structure shape vulnerability, yet their interplay with cultural beliefs remains understudied in Filipino contexts. This study examines the impact of excessive online health searches on parental well-being in the Philippines, aiming to address gaps in understanding digital health behaviors.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the impact of cyberchondria on parental well-being, focusing on compulsion, distress, excessiveness, reassurance-seeking, mistrust, and thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It analyzed how sociodemographic factors affect cyberchondria and well-being. The research also explored the relationship between cyberchondria and parental well-being.

Methods: A quantitative correlational design explored the relationship between cyberchondria and parental well-being. Four hundred parents from 10 barangays in Baguio City were selected through systematic random sampling. Data collection utilized the Cyberchondria Severity Scale-15 and Health Anxiety by Proxy Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Ethics approval was granted by the REC on February 20, 2025 (Protocol No. SLU-REC 2025-047).

Results: Cyberchondria results revealed parents were severely affected in Excessiveness and Reassurance-seeking; thoughts and behaviors showed high anxiety. Significant differences appeared in Age (cyberchondria) and Monthly Income (health anxiety). A moderate positive correlation showed that higher cyberchondria was linked to increased health anxiety by proxy.

Conclusion: Cyberchondria diminishes parental well-being by fueling anxiety, reassurance-seeking, and reduced resilience. Anchored in Media Dependency Theory, findings support interventions and culturally adapted tools for responsible digital health-seeking.

Author Biography

  • Rachel C. Alfonso, MN, RN, Saint Louis University

    A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Batch 1999) from Saint Louis University. She began her academic career at the SLU College of Nursing in 2004 and obtained her Master’s degree in 2012. Currently, she has served as the Department Head Level III of the Nursing Department since 2024. She has been a dedicated Research Promoter since 2013, actively guiding and supporting nursing research initiatives.

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Published

2025-12-31

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Perfectly Imperfect Care in a Digital and Disrupted World

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Articles

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How to Cite

Impact of Excessive Online Health Searches on Parental Well-Being. (2025). Nurse Educators and Practitioners Journal, 1(2), 114-122. https://doi.org/10.64397/nepj.v02i01.2026.a23