Multidimensional Health Locus Of Control Scores Research Articles

Influence of health locus of control and fear of hypoglycaemia on glycaemic control and treatment satisfaction in people with Type 1 diabetes on insulin pump therapy

To assess the influence of health locus of control and fear of hypoglycaemia on metabolic control and treatment satisfaction in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. People with Type 1 diabetes on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for at least 1 year, sub-classified as an 'acceptable glucose control' group [HbA1c ≤ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%)] and a 'suboptimum glucose control' group [HbA1c > 58 mmol/mol (7.5%)], were consecutively enrolled in a multicentre cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were administered to assess health locus of control [Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, with internal and external subscales], fear of hypoglycaemia [Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey II (HFS-II)] and treatment satisfaction [Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ)]. We enrolled 214 participants (mean ± sd age 43.4 ± 12.1 years). The suboptimum glucose control group (n = 127) had lower mean ± sd internal MHLC and DTSQ scores than the acceptable glucose control group (19.6 ± 5.2 vs 21.0 ± 5.0, P = 0.04 and 28.8 ± 4.8 vs 30.9 ± 4.5, P < 0.001). HFS-II scores did not differ between the two groups. Internal MHLC score was negatively associated with HbA1c (r = -0.15, P < 0.05) and positively associated with the number of mild and severe hypoglycaemic episodes (r = 0.16, P < 0.05 and r = 0.18, P < 0.001, respectively) and with DTSQ score (r = 0.17, P < 0.05). HFS-II score was negatively associated with DTSQ score (r = -0.18, P < 0.05) and positively with number of severe hypoglycaemic episodes (r = 0.16, P < 0.5). In adults with Type 1 diabetes receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, high internal locus represents the most important locus of control pattern for achieving good metabolic control.

Development and validation of a scale measuring the locus of control orientation in relation to socio-dental effects.

To develop a socio-dental impact locus of control scale (SILOC) and to study its relationship with oral health status as well as dental attendance. Observational cross-sectional study design. A seven-item SILOC scale based on locus of control and the WHO international classification of diseases' criteria for "Disability" in relation to oral health was developed. In the pilot study, 100 adolescent school children returned completed forms containing the multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) and the (SILOC) scale. After confirmation of reliability and validity, 509 adolescent school children returned completed SILOC questionnaires and were examined for caries, plaque and gingivitis. A history of postponement of needed dental treatment was also elicited. The SILOC scores were highly correlated with the MHLC scores. Factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution accounting for 59 % of the variance. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.75 showed its internal consistency. Those with higher SILOC scores had greater levels of caries, plaque, gingivitis, and a history of postponing needed dental visits. Multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders showed that those with high SILOC scores were more likely to have caries (OR = 3.32, p < 0.001), plaque (OR = 1.83, p = 0.026), gingivitis (OR = 1.80, p = 0.012) and a history of 'Postponement of needed dental treatment' (OR = 4.5, p < 0.001) as compared with the others. The SILOC scale showed satisfactory reliability and validity in measuring locus of control orientation in an Indian adolescent population.

Development and Validation of a Socio-Dental Impact Locus of Control (SILOC) Scale

Purpose: To develop a Socio-Dental Impact Locus of Control Scale (SILOC) and to study its relationship with oral health status as well as dental attendance. Materials and methods: In the pilot study, 100 students returned completed forms containing the Multi Dimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) and the (SILOC) scale. In the main study, 509 adolescent school children from three schools returned completed forms containing the SILOC scale and were examined for oral health status and dental attendance. Results: The SILOC scores highly correlated with the MHLC scores. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.75 showed its internal consistency. Those with higher SILOC scores had greater levels of caries, plaque, gingivitis, and a history of postponing needed dental visits. Multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders showed that those with high SILOC scores were more likely to be having caries (OR=3.32, p<0.001), plaque (OR=1.83, p=0.026), gingivitis (OR=1.80, p=0.012) and a history of ‘Postponement of needed dental treatment’ (OR=4.5, p<0.001) as compared to the others. Conclusion: The SILOC scale showed satisfactory reliability and validity in measuring Locus of Control orientation in relation to socio-dental impacts in an Indian adolescent population.

P01-263 Anxiety, depression and health beliefs in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients

Health locus of control (HLOC) constitutes an important psychological domain of interest to the manifestation and course of disease. Research has shown that health locus of control beliefs can be predictive of anxiety and depression and could therefore act as a good determinant of psychological adjustment for patients with chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between locus of control health beliefs with depression and anxiety in end stage renal disease patients. Also, to explore whether these beliefs can indeed predict patients’ psychological adjustment. 144 adult patients undergoing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis participated in this cross-sectional prospective study. Sociodemographic and medical characteristics were recorded and the following structured questionnaires were administered: the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) (Wallston et al, 1994), the Centre of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (Fountoulakis et al, 2001), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 2 (STAI 2) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) (Garyfallos et al, 1991). ANOVA analysis was performed to examine whether patients’ MHLC scores correlated with CES-D, STAI 2 and GHQ scores and regression analysis was performed to determine the degree to which health locus of control beliefs can predict depression and anxiety. Results revealed significant relationships between health locus of control beliefs and anxiety, depression thus demonstrating the role health beliefs can play in patients’ psychological adjustment with important implications for clinical practice.

Health locus of control in patients with epilepsy and its relationship to anxiety, depression, and seizure control

Objective A person’s health locus of control orientation is one of several factors that determine which health-related behaviors a person will perform. The aim of this study was to determine the health locus of control in patients with epilepsy and its relationship to anxiety, depression, and seizure control. Methods Adults aged 18 and older who had had epilepsy for at least 1 year were recruited in either the inpatient epilepsy monitoring unit or the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Thomas Jefferson University in 2006. Patients anonymously filled out a questionnaire, which elicited data on age, sex, education, and seizure control. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale was used to evaluate anxiety level and depression, and Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales was used to evaluate the health locus of control. Statistical analyses were performed using regression analyses to determine potentially significant associations. Results Two hundred patients with a mean age of 40.3 ± 16 participated. Patients had low mean scores on the Internal, medium mean scores on the Chance, and high mean scores on the Powerful Others MHLC subscales. Patients with epilepsy with higher Internal MHLC scores more frequently had controlled seizures. Patients with higher Powerful Others MHLC scores had higher scores on the Anxiety subscale of the HAD scale. Conclusions Patients with epilepsy in our study had weak perceptions of internal and strong perceptions of external health locus of control. This probably means patients with epilepsy might adapt less effectively to their illness and have lower levels of engagement in beneficial health behaviors and active coping strategies.

Measuring health beliefs on the Internet: A comparison of paper and Internet administrations of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale

A growing number of studies have supported the use of unidimensional psychometric test instruments administered via the Internet; however, support for the use of multidimensional scales is weak. The present study compares paper and Internet administrations of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale (Wallston & Wallston, 1981). In terms of reliabilities and factor structures, the Internet data were found to be at least as good as the paper data. MHLC scores were comparable for paper and Internet administrations, although the Internet sample scored significantly lower on the Powerful Others subscale. Overall, the results show that administration of the MHLC Scale via the Internet can produce data comparable to that obtained by pen-and-paper methods. However, it is concluded that generalization of these findings beyond the psychometric test instrument and sampling procedures used here is not warranted.

Influence of Health Attitudes on the Acceptability of Cranberry Juic

ABSTRACT: Although cranberry juice cocktail contains only 27 to 31% cranberry juice, higher concentrations of cranberry may appeal to health‐conscious consumers. Fifty women rated blends containing 27, 34, 41, 54, and 100% cranberry juice for body, sweetness, tartness, and overall acceptability and completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales questionnaire. One week later, subjects received information on health benefits of cranberries and re‐evaluated samples labeled with the percentage cranberry juice. MHLC scores did not affect the ratings of the samples. Mean ratings for all attributes were not different between 27 and 34% juices. Hedonic ratings for tartness and overall acceptability of the 41% blend increased during the 2nd session.

Is health locus of control a 3-factor or a 2-factor construct?

Although the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales are commonly used, uncertainty about their factorial validity still remains. In the present study, confirmatory factor analyses of a French-Canadian adaptation of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales (MHLC) were conducted to compare in a non-clinical group of 224 adults two factor models. Multigroup analyses were also conducted using this group and a clinical group of 132 diabetics to assess the equivalence of the MHLC factor structure across these two groups. A 3-factor model postulating an internal, external, and chance dimension, and accounting for measurement errors provided the best fit to the data. Multigroup analyses failed to support the equivalence of the MHLC factor loadings across the non-clinical and clinical group. These findings suggest that comparisons of MHLC scores across such groups may be problematic.

Health locus of control and glycosylated haemoglobin concentration of implantable insulin pump recipients in Austria

Thirty diabetic individuals in Austria were included in this study about health locus of control and glycosylated haemoglobin in implantable insulin pump recipients. Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scores were generally consistent with the optimal values identified for other populations with chronic conditions. Little relationship was found between MHLC scores and glycosylated haemoglobin values. Areas for further research are identified.

The relationship between health locus of control beliefs and the MMPI with an alcoholic population.

Examined relationships between the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales and subscales of the MMPI with inpatients (N = 90) at a Veterans Administration Medical Center Alcohol Dependency Treatment Unit. Comparison of MHLC scores for the alcoholic group and a normative sample of healthy adults revealed that alcoholics scored significantly higher on the Internality and Powerful Others Externality Scales. Significant correlations were found between dimensions of perceived locus of control and various personality characteristics; the Chance Externality Scale showed the strongest relationship to the MMPI subscales. Implications for future research are discussed, with emphasis on the potential clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of alcoholic treatment programs that incorporate the alcoholic's beliefs about personal control over health.