Journal Article Ahead of print
PubMed: 42095885 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000672
Validating the Multidimensional Health Perceptions Questionnaire: A traumatic brain injury model systems Rasch analysis.
Rehabil Psychol
Authors: Shannon B Juengst, Angelle M Sander, Monique R Pappadis, Librada Callender, Flora M Hammond, Dawn Neumann, Therese M O'Neil-Pirozzi, Amanda Rabinowitz, Kristin Wilmoth, Lauren Terhorst
Affiliations
- Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann.
- Department of Population Health and Health Disparities, School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch.
- Baylor Scott & White.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE
The Multidimensional Health Perceptions Questionnaire (MHPQ) is a comprehensive self-reported multidimensional measure of health perceptions that was previously validated in a sample of individuals with no specific health conditions. It has 8 subscales: Anticipated Discrimination and Judgment, Communication With Healthcare Providers, Spiritual Health Beliefs, Health Self-Efficacy, Trust in Social Health Advice, Trust in Medicine, How Health Affects My Life, and How Others Affect My Health. The study objective was to determine MHPQ structural validity among English-speaking adults with ≥ 1 year history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) who required inpatient rehabilitation.
RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN
The MHPQ was administered via electronic survey (REDCap) or telephone interview to 250 participants enrolled in the TBI Model Systems National Database study. We conducted Rasch analysis per MHPQ subscale to confirm the structural validity of the MHPQ. The sample was 30.8% cisgender-female (68.4% cisgender-male, 0.8% Other gender), 18-90 years old (M = 45.8, SD = 16.2), 16.0% Hispanic/Latino, and White (68.0%), Black (18%), and all other races (2.0-5.2%).
RESULTS
Internal consistency reliabilities ranged from acceptable to excellent across subscales (Cronbach's alpha = .64-.91). Rasch analysis confirmed unidimensionality in all subscales, with 2 items removed to improve unidimensionality and fit indices (final 51 items). The MHPQ displayed excellent reliability via item (.77-.99) and person (.74-.87) separation indices per subscale.
CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS
This study established psychometric evidence for the MHPQ as a measure to comprehensively characterize health perceptions among adults with chronic TBI, which could support more culturally responsive and person-centered care. Future work will validate the Spanish-language version of the MHPQ and evaluate subscale test-retest reliability. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
MeSH
Brain Injuries, Psychology, Brain, Perception, Rehabilitation, Adaptation, Psychological, Brain Injuries, Traumatic, Disabled Persons