Health anxiety and related factors among the rural population

A cross-sectional study in China

Bibliographic Data

ID4228758
AuthorsZhihui Jiang (0009-0000-9792-9091, Central China Normal University), Gaohui Cao (0000-0002-2760-4889, Central China Normal University), Reima Suomi (0000-0003-2169-7997, University of Turku), Daolin Zha (Central China Normal University)
Year2025
Volume30
Issue11
Pages3017-3031
Publication date2025-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-1053 • E-ISSN: 1461-7277
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13591053241301201
PMID39628120
OpenAlexW4405015338
LanguageEN
References cited57

This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of health anxiety among rural populations in China, due to the unique socio-economic challenges in these areas, such as limited healthcare access. A sample of rural residents ( N = 909) was analyzed to identify key predictors of health anxiety, such as age, education level, living type, anxiety sensitivity, and perceived information overload. Results indicated that older individuals and those with lower educational levels exhibited significantly higher levels of health anxiety. Furthermore, living alone was associated with increased health anxiety, while anxiety sensitivity and perceived information overload were found to exacerbate anxiety levels. These findings highlight the critical need for tailored interventions aimed at mitigating health anxiety in rural areas, thereby contributing to improved mental health outcomes and overall well-being

Anxiety · Anxiety sensitivity · Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Rural area · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Health, psychology, and well-being · Medicine · Psychology · Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments · Clinical Psychology · Gerontology

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