Online health searching and stress during infertility treatment
Virtual Knowledge, Real Stress: The Role of Cyberchondria Severity in Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment
This project tests whether frequent online searching about health (cyberchondria) is linked to higher stress and poorer emotional and social well-being in Turkish-speaking women receiving infertility treatments like IUI, IVF, or ICSI.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 201 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Acibadem University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Ataşehir) |
| Trial ID | NCT07126769 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study at Acıbadem University will record how often Turkish-speaking women undergoing infertility treatments search for health information online and measure their infertility-related stress and overall emotional and social well-being using validated questionnaires. Women currently receiving treatments such as IUI, IVF, or ICSI who can complete surveys in Turkish will be invited, while those with diagnosed psychological disorders are excluded. Data collection relies on self-report measures of online information-seeking behavior (cyberchondria) and standardized scales for anxiety, depression, and social functioning collected during clinic visits or via secure forms. No medical interventions are given; the primary aim is to characterize associations between online searching and emotional outcomes to inform patient support.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Turkish-speaking women currently undergoing infertility treatments (IUI, IVF, or ICSI) who are willing to complete questionnaires and do not have a diagnosed psychological disorder.
Not a fit: Women with diagnosed psychiatric disorders or those not actively undergoing infertility treatment are excluded and therefore unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If positive, findings could help clinics identify patients whose internet searching increases distress and guide targeted counseling or clearer information to reduce worry during infertility treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational research has linked cyberchondria to increased anxiety and stress in other populations, but its specific effects during infertility treatment have been less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women undergoing infertility treatment and those who have experienced various treatment methods (IUI, IVF, ICSI). * Women willing to participate in the study. * Women who understand and speak Turkish. Exclusion Criteria: * Women with psychological disorders (e.g., clinical depression, anxiety disorders). * Women not undergoing infertility treatment.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Ataşehir
- Acıbadem University — Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Güzin Ünlü Suvari, Ph.D. (c)
- Email: guzinnunlu@gmail.com
- Phone: +902165004429
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.