The Role of Internet Use in Self Diagnosis and Treatment among Young Adults in Cabanatuan City: Implications for Digital Literacy

Abstract

Introduction: Young adults increasingly rely on the internet to search for health information and to assess symptoms prior to seeking professional care. This behavior has contributed to a growing trend in online self-diagnosis and self-treatment, raising concerns regarding misinformation, delayed healthcare engagement, and inappropriate self-management Aims: To describe the socio-demographic profile of young adults and determine the role of internet use in self-diagnosis and treatment among residents of Camp Tinio, Cabanatuan City, and to assess whether significant relationships exist between respondent profiles and behavioral constructs related to online self-diagnosis. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed. The study was conducted in Barangay Camp Tinio, Cabanatuan City, from January to May 2025. A total of 324 respondents aged 18–26 were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a validated Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution for demographic variables, and Spearman’s rho correlation for relational analysis. Constructs measured included perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Results: Most respondents were female (60.49%) and digitally active, spending 4–8 hours online daily (44.14%) and spending Philippine Peso 500–1,500 per month on internet access (88.58%). Respondents disagreed with statements reflecting perceived susceptibility (Grand Mean=2.38), perceived severity (2.47), perceived benefits (2.49), perceived barriers (2.41), and self-efficacy (2.37), indicating low concern regarding misdiagnosis and limited confidence in interpreting online health information. Cues to action showed the highest agreement for searching symptoms when experiencing unusual health concerns (Mean=3.26). Correlation analysis revealed weak but significant negative relationships between frequency of internet use and perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and cues to action, while no significant relationships were found with perceived severity or self-efficacy. Conclusion: Young adults frequently utilize the internet for preliminary health assessment yet demonstrate low awareness of misdiagnosis risks and limited confidence in evaluating online medical content. Findings emphasize the need for digital health literacy interventions and public health campaigns encouraging professional medical consultation.