Identifying bereaved subjects at risk of complicated grief: Predictive value of questionnaire items in a cohort study
2011

Identifying Bereaved Individuals at Risk of Complicated Grief

Sample size: 276 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Guldin Mai-Britt, O'Connor Maja, Sokolowski Ineta, Jensen Anders B, Vedsted Peter

Primary Institution: Aarhus University

Hypothesis

Can a clinical tool be developed to identify bereaved individuals at risk of complicated grief?

Conclusion

The study found that the Beck Depression Inventory combined with a specific question can effectively screen for complicated grief risk six months after bereavement.

Supporting Evidence

  • The Beck Depression Inventory showed the highest predictive value for complicated grief.
  • A combination of the BDI and a specific question identified 85.2% of individuals with complicated grief.
  • The study used a well-validated scale for measuring complicated grief symptoms.

Takeaway

This study helps doctors find people who might have a hard time dealing with the loss of a loved one, so they can get help sooner.

Methodology

The study analyzed responses from 276 bereaved individuals using various questionnaires to identify risk factors for complicated grief.

Potential Biases

There is a risk of selection bias due to the recruitment methods used.

Limitations

The sample may not fully represent older individuals and females, and the screening tool's performance may vary in different populations.

Participant Demographics

Participants were primarily older adults, with a mean age of 67, and included both genders.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI not specified

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-684X-10-9

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