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Prevalence of hypochondriac symptoms among health science students in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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  • Jingjing Meng
  • Chang Gao
  • Chulei Tang
  • Honghong Wang
  • Zirong Tao

Abstract

Background: Hypochondriac symptoms are commonly reported in health science students. With their incomplete medical knowledge, they may compare their own bodily symptoms with disease symptoms during the process of learning, which can lead to mental distress and the need for repeated medical reassurance. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hypochondriac symptoms in Chinese health science students. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, and Wanfang Data on July 1, 2018. Additionally, the references of the retrieved papers were searched. Cross-sectional studies published in either English or Chinese that reported the prevalence of hypochondriac symptoms in health science students were included. The selection process was executed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, and study quality was assessed with the checklist recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for cross-sectional studies. A random-effects model according to the DerSimonian-Laird method was used to calculate the pooled prevalence. Results: Seven cross-sectional studies involving 6,217 Chinese health science students were included. The pooled prevalence of hypochondriac symptoms among health science students was 28.0% (95% CI = 19.0%–38.0%). The symptoms were a little more common in females (30.0%, 95% CI = 19.0%–42.0%) than in males (29.0%, 95% CI = 16.0%–42.0%), but the difference was not significant. No significant differences were found between participants grouped by study year. Only three studies explored the coping styles of students with hypochondriasis, and these revealed a high tendency toward help-seeking behaviors. Conclusion: Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of hypochondriac symptoms among health science students, indicating that it is a noteworthy phenomenon. We suggest that counseling and other support services are necessary for health science students.

Suggested Citation

  • Jingjing Meng & Chang Gao & Chulei Tang & Honghong Wang & Zirong Tao, 2019. "Prevalence of hypochondriac symptoms among health science students in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0222663
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222663
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lu Chen & Lin Wang & Xiao Hui Qiu & Xiu Xian Yang & Zheng Xue Qiao & Yan Jie Yang & Yuan Liang, 2013. "Depression among Chinese University Students: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(3), pages 1-6, March.
    2. Alessandro Liberati & Douglas G Altman & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Cynthia Mulrow & Peter C Gøtzsche & John P A Ioannidis & Mike Clarke & P J Devereaux & Jos Kleijnen & David Moher, 2009. "The PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions: Explanation and Elaboration," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-28, July.
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