Psychometric testing of an Arabic version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire for heart disease

Illness perceptions about heart disease may influence related health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ) for heart disease.

Secondary analysis of interview data collected from 401 visitors of hospital patients in Lebanon was conducted, using an Arabic version of the IPQ. Statistical analysis included Cronbach's alpha coefficient, correlational and factor analyses.

Content validity was supported, with a content validity index of 1. The timeline, control and consequences items loaded on four factors, explaining 41.6% of the variance. Two factors, internal and external, explained 14.54% and 28.36% of the variance in the causes scale. The overall Cronbach alpha was .80.

The factor structure did not concur with prior findings on the IPQ; no distinct control factor was obtained. The type of sample and cultural considerations may explain these findings. Replication of this study in Lebanese cardiac patients and further psychometric testing in healthy adults are recommended.