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- PMID: 20096152
- UKPMCID: 20096152
- DOI: 10.1017/S1041610209991542
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Perceptions of subjective memory complaint in older adults: the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Memory (IPQ-M).
Hurt, Catherine S; Burns, Alistair; Brown, Richard G; Barrowclough, Christine
International psychogeriatrics / IPA. 2010;22(5):750-60.
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Full-text held externally
- PMID: 20096152
- UKPMCID: 20096152
- DOI: 10.1017/S1041610209991542
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Subjective Memory Complaints (SMCs) are common among middle-aged and older adults and are often a source of distress and worry. However, rates of help-seeking are low. Investigating perceptions of SMCs may help us better to understand psychological reactions to SMCs and help-seeking behavior. The present study had two aims: (i) to investigate whether the dimensions drawn from the Common Sense Model of Illness Perception (Leventhal et al., 1984) provide a valid model of perceptions held by patients with SMCs; and (ii) to develop a questionnaire to measure these perceptions. METHODS: Qualitative interviews to explore perceptions of SMCs were conducted with 32 participants recruited from a memory clinic and community groups. Information from these interviews was utilized to adapt the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) for use with patients with SMCs. Ninety-eight such patients then completed the adapted questionnaire along with measures of cognition, depression and subjective memory function. RESULTS: The dimensions of illness perception measured by the IPQ-R were present in participant accounts of SMCs with the exception of Timeline Cyclical. The adapted measure (IPQ-M) showed good validity and reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The development of the IPQ-M provides opportunities for further investigation of illness perceptions and their relationship to psychological distress and help-seeking behavior in SMCs. Furthermore, investigation of these relationships may provide a basis from which to develop interventions to improve well-being and help-seeking in older adults with SMCs.