Understanding Veterans' Causal Attributions of Physical Symptoms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Illness beliefs are significant contributors to health outcomes. Beliefs about the cause of physical symptoms are considered particularly important among those with medically unexplained symptoms and illnesses (MUS); yet little is known about causal beliefs among those with the most severe MUS (i.e., Veterans). The goal of the current study was to examine Veteran's causal attributions of their physical symptoms.

Method

A total of 91 combat Veterans with MUS were surveyed using a mixed-methods design about the cause of their physical symptoms, physical symptom severity, and PTSD symptoms. Causal attributions of physical symptoms were analyzed through thematic response analysis and grouped into categories. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of c

SUBMITTER: Kimber J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7855405 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature