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

Shayan  Maleki; Elahe  Ghafouri; Kosar  Babalou; Masoud  Gorbanalipour

doi:10.18502/ehj.v12i1.21905

Shayan Maleki Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Khoy Branch, Khoy, Iran
Elahe Ghafouri Department of Educational Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch, Urmia, Iran
Kosar Babalou Department of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Urmia Branch, Urmia, Iran
Masoud Gorbanalipour Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Khoy Branch, Khoy, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ehj.v12i1.21905

Keywords: Health Anxiety, Disease Perception, Bodily Symptom Vigilance

Abstract

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 60 years and older who visited medical centers in Urmia in 2024. A convenience sample of 200 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 = 0.313, t = 5.04, p < 0.001) and indirectly through bodily symptom vigilance (β = 0.200, t = 4.26, p < 0.001). Health anxiety also significantly predicted bodily symptom vigilance (β = 0.323, t = 5.27, p < 0.001), while bodily symptom vigilance significantly predicted illness perception (β = 0.620, t = 10.60, p < 0.001). Model fit indices indicated an acceptable fit of the proposed model (SRMR = 0.089, NFI = 0.891).

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.