Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design to adapt an Illness Perception Questionnaire for African...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Health Measurement
• Mixed Methods Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Qualitative methods are crucial for developing quantitative behavioral health measurements.
• However, the exact development process of questionnaires is rarely reported.
• This paper details a mixed data integration process using qualitative data to create quantitative questionnaire items.

Purpose of the Study:

• To culturally adapt the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) for African Americans with type 2 diabetes.
• To address sociocultural contexts influencing diabetes perception in this population.
• To develop new and adapt existing survey items using qualitative insights.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory sequential mixed methods study design.
• Qualitative focus groups (n=40) and quantitative surveys (n=170) with African Americans with type 2 diabetes.
• Integration using the 'building approach,' matching qualitative themes to the self-regulatory model's domains.

Main Results:

• Identified key themes: impact on relationships, lifestyle, food, medication importance, social comparisons, and emotional responses.
• Added a 'sociocultural influences' domain addressing race and racism.
• Demonstrated congruence between qualitative focus group findings and quantitative survey item scores.

Conclusions:

• Mixed methods facilitated the development of a robust, patient-centered questionnaire.
• The adapted IPQ-R is a valuable tool for understanding illness perceptions in African Americans.
• Further psychometric testing of the adapted IPQ-R is recommended.