The Role of Health Anxiety in Illness Perception: The Mediating Effect of Bodily Symptom Vigilance among Elderly Patients Attending Medical Clinics in Urmia

Introduction: Health anxiety is recognized as an important psychological factor influencing individuals’ perception of illness, particularly among older adults. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship, especially the mediating role of bodily symptom vigilance, remain insufficiently explored. The present study aimed to investigate the role of health anxiety in illness perception, emphasizing the mediating effect of bodily symptom vigilance among elderly individuals attending medical clinics in Urmia. Methods: This fundamental study employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population included individuals aged ۶۰ years and older who visited medical centers in Urmia in ۲۰۲۴. A convenience sample of ۲۰۰ participants was selected. Data were collected using the Health Anxiety Inventory, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the Body Vigilance Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and SmartPLS software. Results: Health anxiety significantly predicted illness perception both directly (β = ۰.۳۱۳, t = ۵.۰۴, p < ۰.۰۰۱) and indirectly through bodily symptom vigilance (β = ۰.۲۰۰, t = ۴.۲۶, p < ۰.۰۰۱). Health anxiety also significantly predicted bodily symptom vigilance (β = ۰.۳۲۳, t = ۵.۲۷, p < ۰.۰۰۱), while bodily symptom vigilance significantly predicted illness perception (β = ۰.۶۲۰, t = ۱۰.۶۰, p < ۰.۰۰۱). Model fit indices indicated an acceptable fit of the proposed model (SRMR = ۰.۰۸۹, NFI = ۰.۸۹۱). Conclusion: Health anxiety and heightened bodily vigilance play a crucial role in shaping illness perception among older adults. These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological factors in developing mental health policies and interventions for the elderly population.

کلیدواژه ها:

Health Anxiety ، Disease Perception ، Bodily Symptom Vigilance