Health anxiety among older people: an exploratory study of health anxiety and safety behaviors in a cohort of older adults in New Zealand

International Psychogeriatrics
Ann F Boston, Paul L Merrick

Abstract

Despite a stereotype that characterizes older people as excessively anxious about their health, there is little research into this phenomenon. The present exploratory study examined: (a) whether a cohort of older adults was unduly health anxious, (b) which demographic and health factors predicted health anxiety (HA), and (c) whether an aspect of the cognitive behavioral model of HA was applicable to older adults by investigating the relationship between HA and safety behaviors. Participants were a convenience sample of adults aged over 65 and living independently in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants (104 women and 41 men) completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire measuring demographic factors, physical health and function, health anxiety, safety behaviors, and medical utilization. This cohort of adults over 65 were not unduly health anxious. Occurrence of severe HA was similar to that found in younger populations. Decreased physical function and lower education predicted scores on the HA measure. Consistent with the cognitive behavioral model, HA was a unique significant predictor of safety behaviors. HA and decreased physical function predicted medical utilization. Generally low levels of HA among this cohort of older...Continue Reading

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Citations

Mar 23, 2011·International Psychogeriatrics·Nicole M AlbertsShannon L Jones
May 30, 2012·Aging & Mental Health·Lindsay A Gerolimatos, Barry A Edelstein
Dec 19, 2012·Journal of Anxiety Disorders·Nicole M AlbertsDonald Sharpe
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Apr 20, 2012·Social Science & Medicine·Tomoya HanibuchiKatsunori Kondo
Jul 28, 2012·International Psychogeriatrics·Lindsay A Gerolimatos, Barry A Edelstein
Oct 10, 2013·Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology·Yusuke MatsuyamaKen Osaka
May 4, 2016·BMC Oral Health·Shihoko KoyamaKen Osaka
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Dec 5, 2012·Cognitive Behaviour Therapy·Michelle D Bourgault-Fagnou, Heather D Hadjistavropoulos
Nov 23, 2018·Journal of Health Organization and Management·Patricia BraddAndrew Hayen

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