What question did this study set out to answer?

The central aim is to examine health anxiety trends among medically vulnerable Canadians during the Covid-19 pandemic.

February 19, 2026

Health Anxiety in Medically Vulnerable Canadians During Covid-19

Key Points

The central aim is to examine health anxiety trends among medically vulnerable Canadians during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Analyzed data from the COVID Survey Canada covering May 2020 to July 2021
Used the Short Health Anxiety Inventory to assess health anxiety
Employed linear mixed-effects models and descriptive statistics for evaluation
Medically vulnerable groups exhibited higher health anxiety levels compared to other populations
Older adults showed lower levels of health anxiety
Health anxiety declined non-significantly over the year across all groups
Clinically elevated health anxiety correlates with greater health concerns, suggesting a need for prevention strategies

Abstract

Covid-19 has increased health anxiety (HA), especially among medically vulnerable groups. We examined HA trends and related factors across these groups in Canada. Using COVID Survey Canada data (PI: El-Gabalawy; N = 1,260), we assessed HA from May 2020–July 2021 using the Short Health Anxiety Inventory. Linear mixed-effects models and descriptive statistics evaluated changes and correlates. Medically vulnerable individuals showed higher HA, except older adults, who showed lower levels. HA declined non-significantly over the year in all groups. Among the medically vulnerable, clinically elevated HA was linked to greater findings that highlight elevated HA and inform prevention strategies.

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