Uncovering the perceived severity of illness: literature review

Purpose This study aims to investigate how perceived severity of illness (PSI) is conceptualized, measured and applied across health-care and behavioral contexts, with the goal of developing a structured framework to guide future research and practice. Design/methodology/approach Conducted a comprehensive search across relevant databases, such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science, using keywords and their combinations such as “perceived severity,” “illness perception” and “disease severity”. Determined specific inclusion criteria for the studies, such as empirical studies (both quantitative and qualitative), studies that measure perceived severity using validated tools or scales, studies that investigate the factors influencing perceived severity and studies that examine the relationship between perceived severity and health behaviors or outcomes. Established exclusion criteria such as studies that focus solely on objective measures of disease severity without assessing subjective perceptions, studies that are not directly related to the perception of severity and literature not available in the required languages. Implemented a two-stage screening process; first by title and abstract, then full-text review, to determine eligibility for inclusion. Finally, a total of 38 studies were included in the review. Findings The review reveals the tools and methods to evaluate the PSI in health-care services and aspects and dimensions of PSI such as economic factors, social factors, psychological factors, objective measures and subjective experiences on which the research framework is developed. Originality/value This study constitutes an effort to explore the depth of literature and develop the research framework based on the PSI.