Research on the influence mechanism of health anxiety on hypochondriasis in older adults from the perspective of digital health literacy theory: mediated by information search

Objective This study aims to elucidate the correlations among health information search, health anxiety, and geriatric hypochondriasis, and to examine the mediating role of health information search behavior between health anxiety and hypochondriasis among the older adults, thereby providing a theoretical basis for interventions. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 251 older adults participants recruited via cluster sampling from six streets in Changshu City, Suzhou, from January to March 2024. Data were collected using validated scales, including the Short-Form Health Anxiety Scale and the Short-Form Cyberchondria Severity Scale. SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analysis, incorporating descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, binary logistic regression, and bootstrap mediation analysis (5,000 samples). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results (1) More than 60% of the participants were female; 44.22% were aged 60–65; 46.22% self-rated as healthy; 41.43% frequently searched for health information. (2) Health information search and health anxiety were positively correlated with geriatric hypochondriasis (both p < 0.01). (3) Health information search fully mediated the relationship between health anxiety and hypochondriasis (mediating effect = 0.659, 95% CI [0.41, 0.92]). Conclusion This study confirms the mediating role of health information search in the pathway from health anxiety to hypochondriasis among the older adults. It suggests that interventions should focus on improving digital health literacy and reducing unnecessary health information searches to mitigate hypochondriacal tendencies.