Multidimensional Health Locus Of Control Research Articles

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with chronic liver diseases in Germany- a multicentric observational study

BackgroundThe use of Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients in Germany is unknown. This study investigated the frequency of CAM use and associated sociodemographic, clinical and personality factors in CLD patients in Germany.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional multicenter study of CLD patients attending liver outpatient clinics of university hospitals in Halle(-Saale) and Homburg between 2015 and 2017. Dedicated questionnaires recorded CAM use, sociodemographic and personality factors (evaluated with the “Big five” model, “Hospital Anxiety and Depression”-, “Multidimensional Health Locus of Control”- score). Uni- and multivariate analyses assessed factors associated to CAM use.ResultsOverall 378 patients were recruited, 92 (24.3%) reported to CAM use. On univariate analysis, female CAM users were older (p = 0.001) and more physically active (p = 0.002), male CAM users more often used homeopathy (p = 0.000), actively promoted their health (p = 0.010) or had UDC in their medication (p = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for personality factors showed significant association of age, physical exercise (females) and satisfaction with alternative medicine (females, males) to CAM use.ConclusionsCAM use is prevalent among CLD patients in Germany and is significantly associated to satisfaction with alternative medicine (females, males), physical exercise and older age (females). Doctors should actively inquire CLD patients about CAM use, as hepatotoxicity or interaction with medication can occur.

Cross-cultural validation of the genetic counseling outcome scale in Korea.

The Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS-24) was developed to measure patient-reported outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of genetic counseling and testing services. In the current study, the Korean version of GCOS (K-GCOS) was developed to reflect the sociocultural characteristics of Korea, and its clinical applicability was assessed. Overall, 231 Koreans, including patients with genetic diseases and their family members, participated and completed the K-GCOS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Validity was examined by assessing the correlations between K-GCOS scores and other relevant scale scores. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest scores, measured over 2 weeks. We performed exploratory factor analysis of the five structures of GCOS-24. For K-GCOS, four-factor structures were identified: "cognitive-behavioral control," "uncertainty about control," "hope," and "emotional regulation." Four original GCOS-24 items were removed because of low factor loadings and small inter-item correlations. K-GCOS-20 scores were positively correlated with SWLS (r = 0.456) and MHLC-internal (r = 0.213) scores but negatively correlated with HADS (anxiety r = -0.428, depression r = -0.469) and MHLC-internal (r = -0.278) scores. These findings demonstrate that K-GCOS-20 is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating genetic counseling services in Korea.

The mediating role of health behaviors in the relationship between internal locus of control and life satisfaction in public health students

Well-being is a continuous process requiring decisions and actions to maintain or build health. This study examines the indirect effect of health locus of control on life satisfaction via healthy behaviors based on living systems theory. Participants were 730 students of various majors related to medicine and health, aged between 19 and 30 (M = 22.29, SD = 1.64), including 79.04% women. Self-report measures were used to assess life satisfaction, multidimensional health locus of control, and health behavior. Women scored higher than men on the total health behavior scale, especially in a healthy diet and preventive behavior. Men scored higher than women on internal health locus of control (HLC), while women scored higher than men on the powerful others HLC in making decisions about their health. The study confirmed the mediating effect of healthy behavior on the relationship between the internal HLC and life satisfaction. The present mechanism highlights the crucial role of internal motivation in increasing subjective well-being by maintaining health behaviors among young adults. The role of intervention programs focused on improving internal HLC and health behaviors is discussed.

Health Locus of Control and Physical Activity in Liver Transplant Recipients.

Health locus of controlhas the potential to influence health behavior among individuals with chronic diseases. However, little is known regarding the relationship between locus of control and physical activity in transplant recipients. The aim of the study was to investigate health locus of control and physical activity in liver transplant recipients. Seventy-six liver transplant recipients were enrolled. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control - Form C, including internal, chance, doctors, and powerful others subdimensions, was used to evaluate the health locus of control. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. The median internal health locus of control score was 28.54. Thirty-six participants had low, 35 participants had moderate, and five participants had high physical activity. Internal health locus of control was higher in patients having moderate activity compared to patients with low activity (p=0.04). "Doctors" subdimension of health locus of control was negatively correlated with walking (r=-0.38, p=0.02) and total activity scores among patients with low activity (r=-0.37, p=0.02). Liver transplant recipients with moderate activity present higher internal health locus of control scores, suggesting a possible influence of physically active behavior on the beliefs of one's own control over disease management. As the activity level increases, the belief that health outcomes are largely the responsibility of health professionals decreases among liver transplant recipients with low activity. Promoting physical activity will help develop the control of one's own actions on health after liver transplantation.

Determination of the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health locus of control in nursing students

Aims: The first steps in developing healthy lifestyle behaviors are taken in the community and family, and then they develop and change with education. The attribution of the health-related situations experienced by individuals is related to the health locus of control. Health professionals have important roles and responsibilities in the development and maintenance of these behaviors. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health locus of control in nursing students. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 450 students at XX Faculty between 01.03.2023 and 01.06.2023. Information about the participants was collected using the Sociodemographic Data Form, Multidimensional Health Control Scale Form A (MHLC) and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (HLBS). Results: According to the results of the study, the mean age of the students was 21.51±1.47 years. 88.2% of the students were female and 36.7% were 2nd graders. Regression analysis to determine the cause and effect relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and multidimensional health locus of control was found significant (F=30.985; p=0.00<0.05). Healthy lifestyle behaviors are explained by internal control, external control and chance control (R2=0.172). Internal control and external control increase healthy lifestyle behaviors (ß=0.959, ß=1.144). Change control had no effect on healthy lifestyle behaviors. Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that the level of multidimensional health locus of control increased as the steps towards the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors increased. Nursing students' acquisition of healthy lifestyle behaviors and increase in health locus of control levels will enable them to provide these behaviors to the individuals they care for in their professional lives.

Social capital and health beliefs: Exploring the effect of bridging and bonding social capital on health locus of control among women in Dhaka

This cross-sectional study examined if social capital affects women's health attributions. The study used the Internet Social Capital Scale (ISCS) and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale to measure Social Capital and Health Locus of Control. A predefined 38-item questionnaire was used to survey 485 purposively selected women. A bidirectional reciprocal structural equation model was used to measure the covariance between Social Capital and Health Locus of Control. We hypothesized that women with strong social capital, particularly those rich in bridging ties, would exhibit a greater sense of agency and empowerment over their health, attributing their health outcomes less to internal factors like fate and more to external influences like powerful others and broader social support. However, we found that when women have higher social capital, their external health locus of control increases. Bridging and bonding social capital lower women's internal health control, but bridging social capital leads to higher attributes to powerful others. Likewise, we expected women with more social capital would exhibit a lower perception of uncontrollability over their health, but is not the case. The findings underscore the necessity for women to have more social capital.

Psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously impacted human activity worldwide, partly due to many governments issuing stay-at-home orders and limiting the types of social interactions citizens can engage in. Hence, this study investigated psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 345 participants were recruited in the study. This research was conducted between February and May 2023 in Sarab, East Azerbaijan, Iran. To measure the data, valid and reliable instruments of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), interpersonal support evaluation list (ISEL-SF), and health-protective behaviors checklist instrument were used. According to the results, health locus of control (r = 0.227; p < 0.001), social support (r = 0.339; p < 0.001), and COVID-19 preventive behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001) were positively correlated with psychological well-being. The strongest correlation was observed between psychological well-being and protective behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001). In the hierarchical regression model, total, demographic characteristics along with health locus of control, social support, covid-19 preventive behaviors, and history of COVID-19 infection were able to explain 57.4% of the variation in psychological well-being. Public healthcare providers' and policymakers' preventive and supportive actions are highly advised for promoting health locus of control and social support in adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it is better to include a community's social and environmental changes.

Association of Psychosocial Factors with Activation Among Patients with Glaucoma

To investigate the association of psychosocial factors with health self-management behaviors and beliefs among patients with POAG. Prospective cross-sectional cohort study. Patients (n=202) with mild, moderate, or advanced bilateral POAG. Patients (n=1,164) were identified from electronic medical records at a single academic medical center. Letters soliciting participation were mailed to 591 randomly selected potential participants. Psychometric measures and a determinants of health questionnaire were administered by phone to 202 study participants. The NEI VFQ-8 (NEI-VFQ), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), the Perceived Medical Condition Self-Management Scale-4 (PMCSMS), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ), the Patient Activation Measure-13 (PAM), health literacy and a determinants of health questionnaire. For each increase in level of POAG severity, there was a decrease in mean NEI-VFQ score (p<0.001). For each unit increase in NEI-VFQ item 1, self-rated vision, mean PAM score increased (R2=5.3%, p=0.001; 95% CI= [0.077, 0.276]). For each unit increase in 'Internal 'on the MHLC, mean PAM score increased (R2=19.3%, 95% CI= [.649, 1.166], p<0.001). For each unit increase in 'Doctors' on the MHLC, mean PAM score increased (R2=11.0%, 95% CI= [1.555, 3.606], p<0.001). For each unit increase in 'Chance' on the MHLC, mean PAM score decreased (R2=2.6%, 95% CI= [-0.664,-0.051], p=0.023). On multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex and race, for each unit increase in PHQ, mean PAM score decreased (95% CI = [0.061,1.35], p=0.032); for each unit increase in MHLC 'Doctors', mean PAM score increased (95% CI=[-1.448,3.453], p<0.001); for each unit increase in MHLC 'Internal', mean PAM score increased (95% CI=[0.639,1.137 ], p<0.001); for each unit increase in MHLC 'Chance' , mean PAM score decreased (95% CI=[-0.685,-0.098], p=0.009). We identified modifiable behavioral factors that could increase patients' self-perceived ability and confidence to manage their own eye care. Locus of control (MHLC), level of depression (PHQ), and self-rated functional vision (NEI-VFQ) were each associated with patient behaviors, attitudes and beliefs needed for health self-management (activation, assessed by the PAM) and may be important determinants of adherence behaviors. Targeting change in patients' care beliefs and behaviors may improve activation and treatment outcomes.

Exploring Social Support, Pain Self-Efficacy and Health Beliefs in Older Adults with Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background: During the last decades, many studies have explored social support, pain self-efficacy, and health beliefs in older adults with musculoskeletal disorders. Aim: The purpose of the research is to investigate the beliefs of elderly people with musculoskeletal disorders regarding social support, self-efficacy in pain, and health locus of control. Methods: The research was carried out based on 3 questionnaires. The first questionnaire involved the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the second involved the Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire, and the third included the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale. The research was conducted from April–June 2023 among 106 elderly people, of which 32 (30.2%) were men and 74 (69.8%) were women, members of long-term care services and others who visited the Open Care Center of Patras. Results: The mean age of the participants was 76.1 years and the majority were females, primary school graduates, and retired. Furthermore, most of them had moderate/mild manual labor, average financial status, and received medication for musculoskeletal problems. The results showed that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between pain self-efficacy and the support from the significant others (r = .370, p &lt; .01), family support (r = .517, p &lt; .01), overall social support (r = .435, p &lt; .01), and financial status (r = .353, p &lt; .01). Conclusion: The research showed that social support is positively related to pain self-efficacy in the elderly with musculoskeletal diseases.

Health behaviors and problems in Polish homeless men.

Homelessness is considered to be a global problem, independent of the material situation of a given country and occurring in most societies around the world. Assessment of the preferred health behaviors of homeless people. The study covered 153 men who are homeless and 312 men who are not homeless. The original questionnaire of homeless, and validated the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale were used. The research covered fully completed questionnaires from 153 homeless men staying in Białystok and Gdańsk homelss centers. On average, the homeless men assessed their health at 6.0 ± 2.7 points, and the non-homeless at 7.8 ± 2.2 points (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between people experiencing a homelessness crisis and the control group in selected aspects concerning the everyday life hygiene of the respondents, health self-assessment, declarations of visits to a specialist and carrying out check-ups, level of satisfaction with life, coping with difficult situations, preferred pro-health behaviors and dimensions of health control. In the used scales, SWLS, HBI, GES, and MHCL, the majority of homeless men obtained average scores. They were rather dissatisfied with their lives, with a low level of effectiveness in coping with difficult situations and obstacles, a low level of health behaviors, and in the scope of health, control increasing the impact of chance. The level of the presented health behaviors showed statistically significant diversification with all dimensions of the health locus of control, and its internal dimension with age, homelessness phase, the respondents' criminal history, being under constant medical care, and self-assessment of health.

Daily Habits in Parkinson's Disease: Validation of the Daily Habit Scale.

The objective of the study was to validate a new scale for assessing habitual behavior-the Daily Habit Scale in patients with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease patients are impaired in habit learning and skill acquisition. Despite repeated practice, they have difficulty developing habitual responses. One hundred seventy-nine patients (Median (Mdn) = 69 [64-76], 65 females) participated in the study. Corrected item-to-total correlations were calculated to assess the item-convergent and item discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis and assessment of internal consistency were also carried out. Concurrent validity in respect to measures of anxiety and depression, apathy, impulsivity, personality, multidimensional health locus of control, and health-related quality of life was also calculated. To determine the test-retest reliability of the scale, 30 patients (Mdn = 69 [66-73], 9 females) completed a second copy of the scale 6 months after the first. Twenty-nine items (76%) and 9 items (24%) of the 38-item scale, respectively, showed a very good and good convergent validity. All the items discriminated between their own factor and the other factors. The comparative fit index of 0.932 indicated an acceptable model fit of the data, whereas the root mean square error of approximation of 0.06 moderate model fit. The scale had a good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.792), and a moderate test-retest reliability (0.57). Females had higher scores on two factors compared to men (Factor 3: household activities and Factor 8: sleep-related activities). The Daily Habit Scale is a reliable and valid tool to measure daily habits in Parkinson's disease.

MSR4 Rasch Calibration of the 18-Item Multidimensional Health Locus of Control - Form B Scale

Health locus of control (HLOC) is among established predictors of health outcomes and patient behaviors in the management of chronic conditions (CC). The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC)-Form B has been used for 40+ years to measure HLOC in patients with CC. However, there is no evaluation of MHLC-Form B using advanced measurement theory in a U.S. population with CC. Thus, this research aims to assess the psychometric properties of the MHLC-Form B using Rasch Analysis in an adult population with CC.

Susceptibility to Breast Cancer Misinformation Among Chinese Patients: Cross-sectional Study.

Currently, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the sixth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Chinese women. Worse still, misinformation contributes to the aggravation of the breast cancer burden in China. There is a pressing need to investigate the susceptibility to breast cancer misinformation among Chinese patients. However, no study has been performed in this respect. This study aims to ascertain whether some demographics (age, gender, and education), some health literacy skills, and the internal locus of control are significantly associated with the susceptibility to misinformation about all types of breast cancers among randomly sampled Chinese patients of both genders in order to provide insightful implications for clinical practice, health education, medical research, and health policy making. We first designed a questionnaire comprising 4 sections of information: age, gender, and education (section 1); self-assessed disease knowledge (section 2); the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS), the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), the 6-item General Health Numeracy Test (GHNT-6), and the "Internal" subscale of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales (section 3); and 10 breast cancer myths collected from some officially registered and authenticated websites (section 4). Subsequently, we recruited patients from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China, using randomized sampling. The questionnaire was administered via wenjuanxing, the most popular online survey platform in China. The collected data were manipulated in a Microsoft Excel file. We manually checked the validity of each questionnaire using the predefined validity criterion. After that, we coded all valid questionnaires according to the predefined coding scheme, based on Likert scales of different point (score) ranges for different sections of the questionnaire. In the subsequent step, we calculated the sums of the subsections of the AAHLS and the sums of the 2 health literacy scales (the eHEALS and GHNT-6) and the 10 breast cancer myths. Finally, we applied logistic regression modeling to relate the scores in section 4 to the scores in sections 1-3 of the questionnaire to identify what significantly contributes to the susceptibility to breast cancer misinformation among Chinese patients. All 447 questionnaires collected were valid according to the validity criterion. The participants were aged 38.29 (SD 11.52) years on average. The mean score for their education was 3.68 (SD 1.46), implying that their average educational attainment was between year 12 and a diploma (junior college). Of the 447 participants, 348 (77.85%) were women. The mean score for their self-assessed disease knowledge was 2.50 (SD 0.92), indicating that their self-assessed disease knowledge status was between "knowing a lot" and "knowing some." The mean scores of the subconstructs in the AAHLS were 6.22 (SD 1.34) for functional health literacy, 5.22 (SD 1.54) for communicative health literacy, and 11.19 (SD 1.99) for critical health literacy. The mean score for eHealth literacy was 24.21 (SD 5.49). The mean score for the 6 questions in the GHNT-6 was 1.57 (SD 0.49), 1.21 (SD 0.41), 1.24 (SD 0.43), 1.90 (SD 0.30), 1.82 (SD 0.39), and 1.73 (SD 0.44), respectively. The mean score for the patients' health beliefs and self-confidence was 21.19 (SD 5.63). The mean score for their response to each myth ranged from 1.24 (SD 0.43) to 1.67 (SD 0.47), and the mean score for responses to the 10 myths was 14.03 (SD 1.78). Through interpreting these descriptive statistics, we found that Chinese female patients' limited ability to rebut breast cancer misinformation is mainly attributed to 5 factors: (1) lower communicative health literacy, (2) certainty about self-assessed eHealth literacy skills, (3) lower general health numeracy, (4) positive self-assessment of general disease knowledge, and (5) more negative health beliefs and lower levels of self-confidence. Drawing on logistic regression modeling, we studied the susceptibility to breast cancer misinformation among Chinese patients. The predicting factors of the susceptibility to breast cancer misinformation identified in this study can provide insightful implications for clinical practice, health education, medical research, and health policy making.

Comparing Coping Strategies in People Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Healthy People in Terms of Health Locus of Control

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation (pain and swelling) in the intestines. IBD includes Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Both types affect the digestive system. This study aims to compare coping strategies in people with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy people, according to internal and external sources of health control. Methods: The present study method was causal-comparative. The study population included all patients with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy people referred to the Bowel Department of the Jam Hospital in Tehran City, Iran, from April to September 2020. The research sample included 200 subjects (87 healthy people and 113 people with inflammatory bowel disease) selected by purposeful sampling. The participants completed the multidimensional health locus of control and the Folkman and Lazarus coping strategies inventory. For the data analysis, statistical indices of mean, standard deviation, distribution indices, and univariate and multivariate analysis of variance were performed in SPSS software, version 24. Results: The findings showed that of 8 coping strategies, two problem-oriented coping strategies, namely positive reappraisal, and responsibility, were seen more in people with IBD, and no difference was seen in other coping strategies between patients and healthy groups (P&gt;0.05). About the variable of the source of health control, it was found that of 8 coping strategies, only the emotion-oriented coping strategy of avoidance was more common in people with an internal locus of control and in using other coping strategies between the two study groups with a source of control no difference was observed between internal and external control. Conclusion: In the present study, according to research, coping strategies are statistically similar in 4 groups of inflammatory bowel disease patients and healthy people.

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.

Patterns of Locus of Control in People Suffering from Heart Failure: An Approach by Clustering Method

Background and Objectives: The assumption of responsibility in dealing with chronic diseases is of relevance in a resource-oriented and not only deficit-oriented medicine, especially in dealing with chronic diseases, including patients with chronic heart failure. The aim of the present study is to examine, based on the model of "locus of control", whether there are different patterns that would be relevant for a more targeted education and support of self-management in dealing with heart failure. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, a sample (n = 758) from 11 Polish cardiology centers have been assessed using the standardized self-assessment scale Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), consisting of three dimensions: (i) internal localization of health control; (ii) external control by powerful others; (iii) external control by chance. Results: Using these three criteria, nine different clusters were extracted (mean size: 84 ± 33 patients, min 31, max 129). Three clusters included over 100 patients, whereas only two included less than 50 people. Only one cluster gathered 42 patients who will be able to cooperate with professionals in the most fruitful way. There were two clusters, including patients with beliefs related to the risk of ignoring professional recommendations. Clusters where patients declared beliefs about others' control with low internal control should also be provided with specific help. Conclusions: The division into clusters revealed significant variability of belief structures about health locus of control within the analyzed group. The presented methodological approach may help adjust education and motivation to a selected constellation of beliefs as a compromise between group-oriented vs. individual approach.

Correlation of Attitudes towards Remote Consultations of a Rheumatologist with Health Locus of Control: Survey of Lithuanian Patients with Chronic Rheumatic Diseases

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become an important means to control the disease with the help of a doctor for patients with chronic diseases. To make treatment of chronic rheumatic diseases effective, it is important that patients have a positive attitude towards the remote consulting and maintained health related individual behavior, which depends on the patient’s health locus of control. Methods: The sample of the survey consists of 207 Lithuanian patients with chronic rheumatic diseases. Most of them have been diagnosed with spondyloarthritis (n=83), connective tissue diseases (n=53) and rheumatoid arthritis (n=49). To reveal the attitude towards remote consultations of a rheumatologist, an original questionnaire has been developed, which includes reasons for prioritizing remote consultations of a rheumatologist, and positive and negative attitude towards the consultations. Health locus of control was assessed by Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, which contains Internality, Chance and Powerful Others subscales. Results: The survey revealed the main reasons why patients with chronic rheumatic diseases choose remote consultations. When comparing the average of statements revealing positive attitude M=2.78 with the negative one of M=1.51 it becomes obvious that the attitude of subjects towards remote consultations is favorable. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation of patient positive or negative attitudes towards remote consultations with the health locus of control. The results did not establish a correlation between patients’ positive attitude towards the named consultations and internality locus of control. However, it has been obtained that a negative attitude towards remote consultations has albeit not strong, but a statistically significant correlation with two indicators of health locus of control – Chance (r=0.203, p≤0.0001) and Powerful Others (r=0.94, p=0.01). Conclusion: The survey revealed a favorable attitude of patients with chronic rheumatic diseases towards remote consultations. Furthermore, it showed that personal conviction of a patient that health depends on circumstances and influence of other people worsens the attitude towards remote consultations. Keywords: telerheumatology, remote consultations, health locus of control.

Sciences, Arts and Religions: The Triad in Action for Empathic Civilization in Bosnia and Herzegovina

BACKGROUND While many studies have investigated depression risk factors, few attempts have been made to weight, and compare them. Therefore, we conducted a prospective comparison of a sample of subjects suffering from major depressive disorder and a group of healthy subjects. We compared classic risk factors with internal elements such as personality, family dynamics and health locus of control. We also looked for prognostic factors. METHODS Forty people with major depressive disorder (the MDD group) were randomly assigned to different treatment groups and followed for two years. In parallel, we followed a group of 21 healthy subjects (healthy group). At the beginning of the study, sociodemographic data were recorded and all subjects were asked to complete the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scale (FACES III). During the study, subjects were regularly assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). RESULTS Of the 23 explanatory variables, 13 were statistically different (p≤0.05): age, gender, number of people living together, income, extravert personality and neuroticism, Internal HLC, Powerful others HLC, Adaptability of the current couple and the family of origin, and Cohesion of the ideal and nuclear family and family of origin. The accumulation of risk factors doubles the chances of suffering from MDD (odds ratio 1.905**). Independent of treatment, among the 13 variables, the first nine explain 34.1% of change in depression measured on the HDS scale (p<0.001). CONCLUSION While the size of our sample limits the robustness of our results, our study suggests that some risk factors are also prognostic. The respective weights of these factors vary as a function of age group. Finally, some, such as health locus of control, family dynamics or extraversion, can be modified as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment.

Health Locus of Control and Health Behaviors in Organ Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Study

Adherence to health behaviors and to immunosuppressant medications are variables among heart transplant recipients with potential life-threatening outcomes. It is understood that patients with psychosocial barriers are at increased risk of poor outcomes due to various factors. Health locus of control includes any activity that can be done to prevent health problems. Health locus of control is defined as individual beliefs based on past experiences in health issues and having internal and or external control. The literature suggests that patients with a strong internal locus of control have a sense of responsibility for their health behaviors. To investigate the effect of the health locus of control on the level of self-reported health behaviors among organ transplant recipients. A cross-sectional design was used for this study. The study group comprises 222 individuals after heart, kidney, lung, and liver transplantation. The following standardized tools were used: The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, The Health Behavior Inventory, Morisky Medication-Taking Adherence Scale 4-item. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS. The level of significance for the statistical test was set at 0.05. Powerful Others scored the highest among the 3 Health Locus of Control scales in heart, kidney, and liver recipients. Participants paid little attention to Healthy eating habits; however, the total score of the Health Behavior Inventory was high (91.68-94.40). There was a difference between the kind of transplant and center for 4 aspects of health behavior. Higher scores of The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control were associated with higher scores of Health Behaviors and level of adherence. Greater Powerful Others and Internal Health Locus of control predict higher health behaviors explaining 42 % of the variance. The intensification of declared health behaviors is high. However, in educating posttransplant patients, attention should be paid to strengthening proper healthy eating habits. Associations between health locus of control dimensions and health behavior have been shown among transplant recipients. The health locus of control significantly predicts the intensity of health behaviors. these findings support the need to consider health control beliefs while designing preventive strategies in this group of patients.