Prevalence of Hypochondriasis Disorder Among Surgical Technology and Anesthesia Students at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in 2024

Authors
Amin Ghasemi 1
Elaheh Marani 2
Faeze Mazidi Sharafabadi 2
Mina Al-Sadat Torabi 2
1 Genetic and Environmental Adventures Research Center, School of Abarkouh Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
2 Department of Surgical Technology & Anesthesia, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Hypochondria is a type of psychological disorder in which an individual believes they are ill and that their health is at risk, contrary to clinical findings. This study investigates the prevalence of hypochondria among surgical technology and anesthesia students at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd in the year 2024 and explores its relationship with gender, residence status, marital status, field of study and educational level of these students.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 students from the surgical technology and anesthesia department at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd in the year 2024 using a census method. Data were collected through printed demographic questionnaires and a 36-item hypochondria questionnaire by Evans. The data were then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests, including frequency percentages, t-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficient, utilizing SPSS-27 software.

Results: In this study, the prevalence of hypochondria among the surveyed students was 24.8%. This disorder was significantly more common in females and showed a weak correlation with being a local resident, which was borderline significant. No significant findings were observed regarding the relationship between marital status, field of study, or academic term and hypochondria.

Conclusion: Considering the relatively high prevalence of hypochondriasis symptoms among the students studied compared to similar studies in Iran, it is essential to implement intervention measures to clarify the validity and causes of this issue in order to prevent a decline in mental health and academic performance among students.
Keywords
Hypochondriasis
Students
Mental disorder
Illness
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