Locus of control, self-efficacy perception and treatment adherence in kidney transplant patients

Abstract

ObjectiveAmong the factors forming the health behavior are the concept of locus of control and the perception of health self-efficacy. Studies investigating self-efficacy beliefs and the impact of health locus of control on immunosuppressive drugs are not adequate in number. Therefore the study sought to determine locus of control, self-efficacy perception and treatment adherence in kidney transplant patients. MethodsThe sample of the study comprised 276 kidney transplant patients who applied to a university hospital. We collected the data using the Personal Information Form, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Health Self-efficacy Perception Scale and the Compliance to Immunosuppressive Treatment Scale. ResultsThe study found the patients' mean Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale external locus of control score to be 21.51 ± 3.74, mean Internal locus of control score to be 21.36 ± 3.92 and mean chance/fate score to be 15.48 ± 5.43. This result in the study demonstrates that kidney transplant individuals tend to believe in external forces in the disease management. The study determined the mean Health Self-efficacy Perception scale score of the kidney transplant patients to be 25.34 ± 3.89 and the patients had moderate level of self-efficacy perception. The study found that the patients' mean Compliance to Immunosuppressive Treatment Scale score was 11.26 ± 0.96 and their immunosuppressive treatment adherence was high but not adequate. The study found a significant negative weak correlation between the Health Self-efficacy Perception scale and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale chance/fate subscale (p < 0.01). The study found no significant correlation between the Health Self-efficacy Perception scale and the Compliance to Immunosuppressive Treatment Scale (p > 0.05). ConclusionIn order to increase drug adherence, we recommend that patients be supported to reinforce their self-efficacy perception. It is necessary to develop internal locus of control in kidney transplant patients in terms of treatment adherence and positive health behaviors.