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Convergent validation of the Illness Effects Questionnaire
1Department of Psychiatry, Fairfax Hospital, Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Psychological Reports
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Illness behavior and depression significantly predict how nonmalignant headache patients experience their symptoms. Specific Illness Behavior Questionnaire subscales and depression levels strongly correlated with Illness Effects Questionnaire scores in adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Medical Sociology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Nonmalignant headaches affect a significant portion of the adult population.
- Understanding the psychological factors influencing symptom perception is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between illness behavior, mood, and the perceived effects of nonmalignant headaches.
- To identify specific psychological predictors of symptom experience in headache patients.
Main Methods:
- 100 adults with nonmalignant headaches completed the Illness Effects Questionnaire (IEQ), Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ), and visual analog scales for mood.
- Regression analysis was employed to determine the predictive power of IBQ subscales and depression on IEQ scores.
Main Results:
- Illness Behavior Questionnaire subscales (Disease Conviction, Irritability) and depression explained 50.6% of the variance in Illness Effects Questionnaire scores.
- Illness Effects Questionnaire scores showed significant correlations with IBQ subscales (General Hypochondriasis, Disease Conviction, Affective Disturbance, Irritability) and rated depression and anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Illness behavior and psychological distress, particularly depression, are significant determinants of how individuals perceive the impact of nonmalignant headaches.
- These findings highlight the importance of assessing psychological factors in the comprehensive care of headache patients.