Multidimensional Health Locus Of Control Scale Research Articles

Personal Resources and Expectations and Health Behaviors Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients—A Multicenter Study

BackgroundThe long-term success of organ transplantation (Tx) depends on the transplant recipient's ability to self-manage symptoms, treatment, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial consequences. Health behavior (HB) determinants include personality traits such as optimism, self-efficacy, and health locus of control. PurposeAssessing the relationship between personal resources and expectations and health behaviors of organ transplant recipients. Material and methodsThe study was conducted between 01/04/2018 and 30/10/2019 at 3 transplant centers in Poland. The study group consisted of 243 Tx recipients of kidney, heart, liver, and lung. The Health Behavior Inventory, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), General Self-Efficacy Scale, Dispositional Optimism Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to collect data. FindingsThe study group had medium levels of dispositional optimism (mean 15) and high levels of self-efficacy (mean 30.18). The MHLC scale was dominated by a belief in the influence of others and an internal locus of control over one's health. The respondents presented a high level of HB (mean 92.09). A positive relationship was found between personal resources (self-efficacy and optimism), MHLC and HB. The presence of depression and anxiety negatively affected personal resources and internal locus of health control and HB in terms of a positive mental attitude. Type of Tx differentiated internal locus of health control and HB. Predictors of HB were dispositional optimism, self-efficacy, influence of others with health locus of control, symptoms of depression, age and time since transplantation-explaining between 6.1% and 14.5% of health behavior categories. ConclusionsTo improve health practices among organ recipients, strengthening their personal resources is recommended. It is necessary to form an internal locus of control for adherence to positive HB.

Psychometric Validation of the Persian Version of Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC-C) for Menopausal Women

Background. The Health Locus of Control (HLC) serves as a mediator between an individual’s behaviors and health status, influenced by various cultural, environmental, and situational factors. Its measurement reflects health beliefs and attitudes, ultimately leading to healthy behaviors. Menopause is a significant phenomenon in women’s lives, often resulting in a wide range of symptoms and health issues. Therefore, the perception of HLC plays a crucial role in promoting healthy behaviors and managing menopausal symptoms. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the short form Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) in Iranian menopausal women and explore its interrelationships. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 271 menopausal women from September to November 2023. Psychometric properties such as construct validity (confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis), convergent validity (evaluated using average variance extracted), and internal consistency (assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and rho_A factor) were examined. Discriminant validity was determined using the Fornell–Larcker criterion. Reliability was further established through Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega coefficients. The predictive relevance of the model and associations between constructs were analyzed using various statistical measures. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS v.27 and Smart PLS 3.0 software. Limitations of this study include that it was conducted in urban health centers, only women with at least primary education were included, and reliance on self-reported data. Results. The initial stage of construct validity involved the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, with confirmatory factor analysis demonstrating a good model fit. Significant correlations were found between internal health control and factors related to doctors and other people, indicating that internal health control directly influences these factors in managing menopausal symptoms and health problems. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega coefficients for the 13-item MHLC-C scale were satisfactory (0.81 and 0.72, respectively). Conclusions. The Persian version of the 13-item MHLC-C has been validated as a reliable tool for assessing the health locus of control in Iranian menopausal women. Internal health control was found to significantly impact perceptions related to doctors and other people, highlighting its importance in managing menopausal symptoms effectively.

Psychological Associations of Stress with the Level of Health Locus of Control and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.

The aim of this study was to analyze the locus of health control, self-efficacy and stress coping styles of female patients treated for ovarian cancer. Learning the styles of coping with stress in patients with ovarian cancer may contribute to improve their quality of life after cancer diagnosis. A series of Pearson's r-analyses was performed in the order to evaluate the hypotheses regarding the relationship between styles of coping with stress, the locus of health control and self-efficacy. A total of 151 female patients participated in this study. Standardized psychological questionnaires were used: the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) to measure coping with difficult situations and obstacles, the Multi-Dimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) to measure health control and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) to measure stress coping styles. All questionnaires had an adaptation in Polish. Patients using task-focused and socializing styles had higher self-efficacy, whereas focusing on negative emotions resulted in lower self-efficacy. External locus of health control was related to a task-focused approach to treatment. On the other hand, the focus on negative emotions was related to the feeling that the fate of patients was decided by chance. Self-efficacy was positively associated with internal locus of health control and with external control, which means the influence of others. The results of our study indicate the need for a multidimensional approach to the treatment of female patients with ovarian cancer. The psychological condition of female patients has an ongoing relationship with their physical health.

Healthy lifestyle mediates the association between health locus of control and life satisfaction among college students in Hubei, China: during the normalization stage of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control

BackgroundPrevious studies have primarily focused on the relationships among the health locus of control (HLC), healthy lifestyle and life satisfaction of college students. However, little is known about the mediating mechanism of healthy lifestyle on the other two aspects. This study aims to address this issue.MethodsA total of 2394 students from six colleges in Hubei Province validly completed self-report questionnaires, including the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire for college students and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), which covered three dimensions: internal HLC, powerful others HLC and chance HLC. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyses the hypothesized relationships in the path model, and a mediation analysis was used to verify the indirect relationships.ResultsHealthy lifestyle and life satisfaction showed positive relations with both internal HLC and powerful others HLC, but a significant negative association with chance HLC. In addition, healthy lifestyle mediated the relationships of internal HLC, powerful others HLC and chance HLC with life satisfaction.ConclusionsHealthy lifestyle mediates the impact of HLC on life satisfaction. Students with high IHLC tend to develop a healthier lifestyle and have higher LS. Powerful others also exert positive effects in collectivist cultural backgrounds. Thus, colleges should give full play to the positive role of psychological health and physical education courses in improving students’ IHLC. Meanwhile, the positive guiding effect of powerful others should be stressed. Further, particular emphasis should also be placed on the peer influence, new media publicity functions, community intervention, and college systematic appraisal, especially during and after public health emergencies.

HEALTH LOCUS OF CONTROL ON COPING MECHANISMS OF CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE PATIENTS WITH HEMODIALYSIS THERAPY AT BLAMBANGAN HOSPITAL BANYUWANGI

Background: Patients with chronic kidney failure (CKD) require hemodialysis therapy for a long time which can cause patients to experience stress. Stressful conditions in patients with CKD affect coping mechanisms. One that affects the coping mechanism of people with CKD is belief (locus of control). Purpose: This study aimed to determine the correlation between the health locus of control and the coping mechanisms of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. Method: The type of research used was a correlation study with a cross-sectional research design. The total sample is 88 respondents with a purposive sampling technique. Data collection used the MHLCS (Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale) questionnaire and the Jalowiec Coping Scale. Data were analyzed using the Fisher's Exact test. Results: This study showed that almost all respondents have a high health locus of control with coping mechanisms; most of the respondents fall into the adaptive category. The data analysis showed a significant correlation between health locus of control and coping mechanisms in CRF patients on hemodialysis therapy. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients with high health locus of control have adaptive coping mechanisms. For respondents to remain in adaptive coping, spiritual activities are needed to guide people with CKD so that they are much more willing to accept their health conditions sincerely. Keywords: Chronic kidney failure; hemodialysis; Health locus of control; coping mechanisms

Validation of a single question to measure internal health locus of control in Swedish primary care.

Behavioral risk factors are highlighted in the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Screening for health locus of control could be a feasible way to better identify individuals who could benefit from preventive behavioral change interventions. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between a single question measuring internal health locus of control (IHLC) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) and to assess how IHLC relates to the General Self-Efficacy scale (GSE) in a primary care setting. Primary care patients, aged 18 and older, attending three primary care centers in southwest Sweden were consecutively asked to anonymously participate in the study. The patients were given a questionnaire and instructed to return the questionnaire in a sealed box in the waiting room. In all, 519 patients were included. The correlation between MHLC Internality and IHLC was weak (r = 0.21, p < 0.001). An increase of one point on the internality scale of the MHLC gave an odds ratio of 1.19 (95% CI 1.11-1.28) for reporting high IHLC, and thus a five-point increase gave a doubled likelihood, OR = 2.40, CI 1.67-3.46. The results for the other scales of the MHLC and GSE were similar. In this study, we found weak but statistically significant support for the single-question IHLC as a measure of internal health locus of control. Given that the correlation was weak, we recommend using the MHLC when possible.

A Survey of Breastfeeding Attitudes and Health Locus of Control in the Nigerian Population

ObjectivesBreastfeeding is important to infant health and survival in sub-Saharan Africa. To promote breastfeeding effectively, understanding of psychological factors associated with infant feeding choices is required. This study investigated breastfeeding attitudes and health locus of control (HLoC) in a Nigerian community sample.MethodsMen and women (N = 400) (71% female; mean age 34.2 years/ range 18–86 years) were recruited through community groups in Nigeria. Self-report survey by questionnaire measured breastfeeding attitudes using the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) and health locus of control using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLoCs).Results MeanIIFAS scores (mean = 57.7; sd = 7.8) became less favourable with increasing age (p = 0.02). Men had higher IIFAS scores (mean = 58.6; sd = 7.6) than women (mean = 56.6; sd = 8.0) indicating more favourable attitudes toward breastfeeding (p = 0.02). Women scored higher than men on external chance HLoC (ECHLoC) (p = 0.003) and external powerful others HLoC (EPHLoC) (p = 0.02). Increasing age was associated with higher scores on ECHLoC (p < 0.01) and EPHLoC (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis was significant (p < 0.001) and explained 7.8% of variance in breastfeeding attitude. Lower IIFAS scores, reflecting more negative attitudes to breastfeeding, were associated with higher ECHLoC (p < 0.01) and EPOHLoC (p < 0.05). Higher IIFAS scores, reflecting more positive attitudes to breastfeeding, were associated with greater IHLoC (p < 0.01). Neither age nor gender were associated with IIFAS scores in the final model.ConclusionsThis implies a need to explore health locus of control when promoting positive attitudes to breastfeeding and supporting families in breastfeeding advocacy.

Психометричні властивості шкали "Багатовимірна шкала локусу контролю здоров'я": українська вибірка

B a c k g r o u n d . Health control and management are important processes, the relevance of which has increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Health control is equally important for the population of Ukraine today. Various assessment methodologies are used to measure health control, and the MHLC is one of the most commonly used, and also showed high reliability in several countries worldwide. Considering the importance of the issue and constant threat to the health of population, the necessity of having this scale available in Ukrainian is clear. Correspondingly, the present study aimed to adapt the MHLC (Multidimensional Health Locus of Control) scale to the Ukrainian context and to test the psychometric properties of the scale for its suitability for use among the Ukrainian-speaking population. M e t h o d s . The properties of the MHLC scale were evaluated on a sample of 392 respondents from Ukraine. The psychometric properties were assessed using the following statistical tests: reliability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory), and correlation analysis. R e s u l t s . Cronbach's alpha for the MHLC scale was 0,72. EFA analysis revealed the presence of a three-factor model structure. The model's goodness-of-fit indicators are as follows: χ2 = 389, p &lt; 0,001; CFI = 0,86; TLI = 0,84), SRMR = 0,06, AIC = 22982, BIC = 23209. The main factors of the model are: influential others, internal, and randomness. The correlation analysis revealed a strong relationship between the MHLC scale items and the 5C scale items, which confirms convergent and discriminant validity. C o n c l u s i o n s . The Ukrainian version of the MHLC scale has positive psychometric characteristics and can be used in studies focused on the Ukrainian-speaking context and sample. Validation procedure showed the ability of Ukrainian scale to match the initial five factors suggested by the authors of the scale.

ПСИХОМЕТРИЧНІ ВЛАСТИВОСТІ ШКАЛИ ХЕМОФОБІЇ: УКРАЇНСЬКА ВИБІРКА

Background. The problem of chemophobia, which refers to an irrational fear of chemicals, is a relatively new phenomenon that is gaining attention in scientific circles. This fear can manifest in various aspects of daily life, impacting people's attitudes towards food additives, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. Understanding the nature and extent of chemophobia is essential for addressing these fears effectively. This study aimed to adapt the Chemophobia Scale, originally developed in English, into Ukrainian. Methods. The study involved 392 respondents from diverse regions across Ukraine, encompassing a wide demographic range to ensure representativeness. Participants were recruited using both online and offline methods. The psychometric properties of the Ukrainian version of the Chemophobia Scale were assessed using comprehensive statistical analyses. These analyses included Cronbach's alpha to measure internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to assess the scale's structure, and a correlation matrix with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale to examine construct validity. Results. The Cronbach's alpha for the Ukrainian version of the Chemophobia Scale was 0.84, indicating a high level of internal consistency comparable to the original scale. Exploratory factor analysis suggested the possibility of using both one-factor and two-factor structures for the scale. However, the one-factor structure was deemed more acceptable in terms of indicator reliability and consistency with the original model. The fit indices for the one-factor model were as follows: x2 = 100, P &lt; 0.001; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.919; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.878; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.05; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.125. The correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between scores on the Chemophobia Scale and specific items on the MHLC scale, particularly those related to 'chance' and 'internal' health control beliefs. Conclusions. The adapted Ukrainian version of the Chemophobia Scale demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, indicating its suitability for use in Ukrainian-speaking samples. This, in turn, can inform targeted interventions to address irrational fears related to chemicals, thereby improving public health outcomes.

Can Nutritional Status in Adults Be Influenced by Health Locus of Control?

The external health locus of control (HLC) is based on an assumption that obtained health results depend on the influences of external factors. As for the internal HLC-that is the effect of our own actions and capabilities. Little is known regarding how the HLC can influence body weight or the occurrence of visceral obesity. The study aimed to assess the relationship between the health locus of control and nutritional status in adults. The study included 744 adults (452 women, 292 men; 2.8% underweight, 43.8% normal weight, 29.7% overweight, and 23.7% obese). In addition to anthropometric measurement and socio-demographic data, the health locus of control, using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) by Wallston K, Wallston B, and DeVellis R, was assessed. The percentage of subjects with an internal HLC did not differ significantly between obese, overweight, and normal-weight groups. However, the percentage of subjects with an external HLC-dependent on the impact of others-was significantly higher in both men and women with obesity than in corresponding overweight and normal-weight groups (p < 0.01). Yet, the percentage of subjects with an external HLC subject to the impact of chance was significantly higher among overweight and obese women than in those of normal weight (p < 0.05) only. Women with overweight or obesity, with external health locus of control, experienced both the impact of others and of chance more often than women with normal weight. However, men with overweight and with obesity more often had external health locus of control influenced only by others.

The Style of Coping with Stress, the Health-Related Locus of Control, and the Level of Mindfulness of Patients with Chronic Somatic Diseases in Comparison to Healthy People.

Background: Psychological factors may be involved in both the development and treatment of somatic diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate the style of coping with stress, health-related locus of control, and level of mindfulness of adult patients with the most common chronic somatic diseases compared with healthy subjects. Methods: 502 chronically ill people were examined (M = 49.27; SD = 14.25), including 288 women and 214 men. The control group consisted of 117 healthy people (M = 45.66; SD = 17.86). The diagnostic survey involved using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: Differences between the clinical and control groups were demonstrated for MHLC: Internal (p < 0.001), Powerful Others (p < 0.05), and Chance (p < 0.001); CISS: Task (p < 0.001) and Avoidance (p < 0.05); and MAAS (p < 0.01). Conclusion: People with chronic somatic diseases, compared to healthy people, have a stronger external and weaker internal health-related locus of control, lower level of task and avoidance style for coping with stress, and lower level of mindfulness.

Perception Of Body Image And Health Control In Patients With Psoriasis: How It Is Related

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory skin disease that causes rashes on the skin of the body, scalp and nails. People with psoriasis face a variety of psychosocial difficulties due to their illness. The quality of life in psoriasis deteriorates due to the perceived stigmatization in society that a person affected by the disease may experience. Rashes, dandruff is often considered subjectively the worst aspect of the disease, as visible skin lesions change patients' appearance and perception of body image. A person well-being and health-related behaviors are related to a person’s perception of their health locus of control. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived stigmatization, body image perception, and health locus of control in psoriasis patients. Participants filled the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire, Dresden Body Image Questionnaire (DBIQ-NL) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). The study involved adults with psoriasis (n = 111). The results showed that men with psoriasis have a more positive perception of the body, have perception that others were responsible for their health. The degree of skin damage in patients is directly related to perceived stigmatization. For psoriasis sufferers, the belief that control over their health is beyond their control acts as a mediator between perceived stigma and body acceptance.

Locus of Control and Self-Efficacy Relationship with Medication Adherence in Elderly with Hypertension

Patients with hypertension in the elderly often experience non-compliance in the treatment process. In addition, they also experience difficulty in controlling themselves, which is known as the locus of control. An unhealthy lifestyle in the elderly tends to have low self-efficacy, which has an impact on non-adherence to treatment. Therefore, this study aims to identify the dominant factors associated with medication adherence in the elderly with hypertension. The study design was correlational analytic with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were 36 elderly people with a diagnosis of hypertension who were selected using a total sampling technique. The questionnaire used a multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLCS) form C, Self-efficacy for Managing Hypertension, MMAS-8 (Morisky Medical Adherence Scale-8 Items). Data analysis using Pearson Product Moment static test and Linear Regression. In this study, it was found that locus of control and medication adherence had a significant relationship with p-value=0.005, and r-value =0.460, while self-efficacy and medication adherence had a significant relationship with p-value= 0.001 and r-value= 0.527. The most dominant variable of medication adherence was self-efficacy (p=0.02; B=0.335). Based on these results, it can be concluded that the elderly with hypertension who adhere to medication have a good locus of control and high self-efficacy. Adherence to taking medication can be improved by providing health education and increasing self-efficacy through support from family.

The Influence of Selected Psychological Factors on Medication Adherence in Patients with Chronic Diseases

Background: Insufficient adherence to treatment is a relevant problem. This study aims to determine the impact of health locus of control, stress coping style and level of mindfulness on medication adherence in patients with a chronic illness. Methods: The study included 768 people. The diagnostic survey involved the use of: Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), and The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: Participants were divided into two subgroups, i.e., adherent (n = 219) and non-adherent (n = 549). We observed significant differences between the subgroups in age, BMI, sex, place of residence, education, and for all MHLC subscales, two CISS subscales and MAAS. The identified medication adherence variables were: female gender (OR = 1.55), BMI (OR = 0.95), MHLC/Internal (OR = 0.95), CISS/Emotional (OR = 1.03), MAAS (OR = 0.97). Conclusions: A strong internal health locus of control, a higher level of mindfulness and a lower level of emotional-stress coping style increase the likelihood of adherence with medication recommendations in patients with chronic diseases.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Improving Health Locus of Control, Irrational Health Beliefs, and Medication Adherence in Men and Women with Type II Diabetes

Aim: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in improving health locus of control, irrational health beliefs, and medication adherence in individuals with type II diabetes. Methods: The present semi-experimental research had a pretest-posttest design with follow-up and control groups. The statistical population of the research consisted of men and women with type II diabetes who visited Imam Hossein Clinic in Sari city. During a public announcement (Imam Hossein Clinic located in Sari), 45 men and women with the inclusion criteria to participate in the research were selected and randomly assigned to three groups, namely cognitive behavioral therapy (n=15), acceptance and commitment therapy (n=15), and control group (n=15). The cognitive behavioral therapy group received Frey's therapy protocol (2005) in twelve sessions, and the acceptance and commitment therapy group received the Hayes protocol (2004) in eight sessions. All three groups were evaluated in three stages, pre-test, post-test, and follow-up by the Irrational Health Belief Scale (IHBS) by Christensen et al. (1999), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale (MHLCS) by Wallston and Wallston (1982), and the Medication Adherence Questionnaire by Madanlou (2013). The collected data were analyzed using the repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: The cognitive behavioral therapy and group acceptance and commitment therapy were effective in improving irrational health beliefs (P=0.043 and F=3.497), external control (P=0.022 and F=4.342), internal control (P=0.023 and F=5.236), and medication adherence (P=0.001 and F=12.606) in the post-test and the effect was stable in the follow-up phase. Conclsion: Both treatment methods could improve irrational health beliefs, internal and external control, and medication adherence but acceptance and commitment therapy had a greater effect on the research variables.

EFFECT OF AEROBIC ENDURANCE TRAINING NORDIC WALKING ON PSYCHOPHYSICAL WELL-BEING OF WOMEN AND MEN OF DIFFERENT AGES

Nordic walking is one of the forms of physical activity used in recreation as well as in medical treatment, prevention and rehabilitation. The aim of the research was to determine the impact of aerobic endurance training using a continuous (uninterrupted) method in a 12-week training cycle divided into three mesocycles on psychophysical well-being of men and women. Psychophysical well-being and the quality of life were investigated. The SF-36v2 (Short Form Health Survey) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life, while the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) and other research tools were used to assess psychophysical well-being. The research was exploratory in nature and explained the impact of Nordic walking aerobic endurance training on psychophysical well-being. A theoretical and purposeful selection of the study sample was applied in the research. The study involved a group of 136 persons of different ages, of whom 71.3% (97 persons) were women and 28.7% were men (39 persons). Data analysis was conducted with a use of Dell Statistica (data analysis software system) version 13. The analysis of correlations of qualitative features was performed using the χ² (Chi-square) test. The training cycle had a positive effect on psychophysical well-being. High values of the dimensions of internal control of one’s health significantly affect psychophysical well-being. The greater the internal control of one’s health, the greater the sense of psychophysical well-being. After the analysis, a significant relationship was found between the respondents’ age and the subscales of the quality of life (physical health, physical functioning, physical activity and pain) according to R. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient at the level of p&lt;0.05. The higher the indicators of physical health during physical activity, the greater the sense of psychophysical well-being. A diagnosis of psychophysical well-being after completing aerobic Nordic walking endurance training in a 12-week cycle showed a significant impact on psychophysical well-being of men and women of various ages.

Association between health locus of control and perceived stress in college student during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study in Iran

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic as a global mental health crisis has affected everyone, including students. The present study aimed to determine and investigate the relationship between health locus of control and perceived stress in students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences (southern Iran) during the outbreak of COVID-19.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study examined 250 students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. We performed simple random sampling and utilized the demographic information form, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale (MHLCS) by Wallston, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by Cohen to collect data. We analyzed data using the SPSS, Pearson correlation coefficient, and the hierarchical regression model with an error level of 5%.ResultsThe mean perceived stress was 30.74 ± 8.09, and 92.4% of the students had moderate and high stress levels. Among the components of the health locus of control, the internal health locus of control (IHLC) had the highest mean in students (27.55 ± 3.81). Furthermore, the internal health locus of control (R = − 0.30, P < 0.001) had a significant inverse relationship, with perceived stress and the chance health locus of control (CHLC) (R = 0.30, P < 0.001) had a significant direct relationship. In the final regression model, the health locus of control and all the variables predicted 22.7% of the perceived stress variation in students during the COVID-19 period.ConclusionThe results indicated that the internal health locus of control was associated with a reduction of perceived stress, and the powerful others health locus of control (PHLC) was related to its increase in students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the uncertain future, in the present work, universities are suggested to design web-based educational interventions alongside the curriculum to further strengthen the internal health locus of control and thus help reduce their perceived stress.

Psychological Determinants of Attitude to Surgery in Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis Patients.

The basic way to prevent cerebral stroke in symptomatic 70–99% stenosis of internal carotid artery (ICA) is an open or endovascular surgical procedure. Psychological research done so far among ICA stenosis patients focused on cognitive functioning changes. The objective was to assess attitude to surgery in relation to self-efficacy, life quality perception, and health locus of control in ICA stenosis patients. Materials and Methods: The study involved 53 asymptomatic ICA stenosis patients, aged from 53 to 81. Four scales were applied: Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES); Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC); and a simple scale to examine the attitude to surgery, where “−10” stands for the maximally negative attitude, “0”—neutral, and “+10”—maximally positive. The obtained results were put to statistical analysis. Results: It was found that women and men assessed their attitude to the surgery as positive (M = 7.92; SD = 3.094), though the men estimated it slightly higher (M = 8.03; SD = 3.02) than the women (M = 7.67; SD = 3.37). The mean value of self-efficacy was high (M = 32.53; SD = 6.231), and slightly higher for the men (M = 32.79; SD = 5.576) compared to the women (M = 31.87; SD = 7.836). The patients generally tended to manifest the external personal health locus of control (M = 28.62; SD = 3.17). The runner-up was internal health locus of control (M = 26.02; SD = 3.775), and the next one—external impersonal aspect (chance/luck) (M = 23.57; SD = 4.457). The mean assessment of the patients’ own life quality proved to be above average (M = 23.60) but varied (SD = 5.95). The women perceived the quality of their lives as better (M = 24.33; SD = 6.422) than the men (M = 23.32; SD = 5.818). Very strong positive correlations were found between self-efficacy and life quality assessment (p < 0.001) and between the internal and external personal aspects of health locus of control (p < 0.007) in the women, and positive correlations were found between the attitude to surgery and internal health locus of control (p < 0.021) in the men. Conclusions: When breaking the news of a need to have a surgical intervention due to ICA stenosis, the physician should strongly refer to the value of human life and health. The message should arise from external (in the case of women) or internal (in the case of men) motivation to undergo surgery, and enhance the patient’s conviction that the disease should be considered a challenge which must be taken to reverse their unfavorable situation and improve life quality.

Selected psychological factors and medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine the relationship between medication adherence (MA) and selected psychological factors in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Material and methodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted in four rheumatology outpatient clinics in Silesia, Poland. The tests used were the Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The analysis involved 106 adult patients diagnosed with RA at least 6 months before, who were prescribed medication, with disease at any stage and with stable comorbidities. Software was used to perform analyses of frequency, basic descriptive statistics, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student’s t-test for independent samples, intergroup univariate variance, Pearson’s r correlation coefficient, Spearman’s rank correlation ρ coefficient, Fisher’s exact test and stepwise linear regression.ResultsPowerful Others Health Locus of Control (PHLC), Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC) and age of the subjects, F(3, 102) = 8.05; p < 0.001 explained 16.8% of the variation in the adherence level for the entire group. In the group of women PHLC and IHLC, F(2, 80) = 10.04; p < 0.001 were included in the model, which explained 18.1% of variation in MA. PHLC was the most significant factor in the group of women (β = 0.55; p < 0.001) and in the entire group (β = 0.48; p < 0.001). In the group of men, Social Diversion Style (SDS), F(1, 21) = 5.81; p = 0.02 was included in the model, which explained 17.9% of the variation in the MA level.ConclusionsThe study identified some psychological predictors of adherence, which explained 16.8% of the variability. Factors increasing the likelihood of medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis include a strong belief in the power of others, low level of internal health locus of control, and advanced age.

Indicators of an Integrated Home Care Model Shaped by the Needs of Patients Discharged from the Emergency Department.

Introduction:Developing community care models aims to satisfy the needs of patients’ in-home care comprehensively. This is crucial to decrease adverse events and prevent rehospitalization.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 emergency department patients (EDPs) and 200 general practice patients (GPPs). The modified version of the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS), the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLCS) were used.Results:The study indicated the higher level of unmet needs in EDPs than in the population of GPPs (p = 0.008). The unmet needs increased risk of hospitalization in both groups: OR = 0.28 [95%CI 0.15–0.52] for EDP and OR = 0.33, [95%CI 0.17–0.62] for GPPs groups. We also found a significant relationship between the low levels of needs satisfaction and social-demographic variables, including health profile and the level of health behavior, generalized self-efficacy, health locus of controls, and healthcare measures in general practice.Discussion and Conclusion:We suggest that the identified factors should be included into the integrated community care model to advance satisfaction of patients’ needs, especially in patients discharged from an emergency department.