Multidimensional Health Locus Of Control Research Articles

Gender and health behaviours of hypertensive patients: mediating role of control beliefs

Previous studies have reported gender differences in patients’ health behaviours but few studied hypertensive patients. The potential underlying factors that may mediate gender influences on health behaviours is also a more critical area worthy of investigation. This study examined health locus of control (HLC) as a pathway of gender effects on health behaviours of hypertensive patients. The Multidimensional HLC Scale (Form C) and Wellness behaviour subscale of Health Behaviour Checklist were completed by 400 hypertensive outpatients in two Nigerian hospitals: Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, Enugu, and Bishop Shanahan Specialist Hospital, Nsukka. Hierarchical multiple regression results showed that gender significantly predicted health behaviours. Gender also significantly predicted internal HLC, chance HLC, and other people HLC, but did not predict doctor HLC. The association between gender and health behaviours was fully mediated by internal HLC, chance HLC and other people HLC. Understanding the explanatory mechanisms linking socio-demographic factors and health behaviours is considered of great importance for future research and healthcare intervention.

Locus of control and pain: Validity of the Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales when used with adolescents.

The objective of this study was to examine the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales in adolescents. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that adequate fit of a four-factor model and the internal consistency of the scales were adequate. Criterion validity of the four scales of the Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control was also supported by significant correlations with measures of pain-related self-efficacy, anxiety, and coping strategies. The results indicate that the four Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale scores are reliable and valid and therefore support their use to assess pain-related locus of control beliefs in adolescents.

Influence of patient personality in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Individualized treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on genetic/serologic factors is increasingly accepted. Moreover, patients are more actively involved in the management of their disease. However, personality has received little attention with respect to perception of the need and adherence to treatment. Our objective was to evaluate whether patient personality was associated with the acceptance or rejection of more aggressive early treatment. We performed a cross-sectional study in two hospitals with early arthritis clinics where sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables are systematically recorded. Patients completed Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, Pain-Related Self-Statement Scale and Pain-Related Control Scale. Aggressive treatment was considered if patients received more than two DMARDs or biological agents during the first year of follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of aggressive treatment. One hundred seventy-six RA patients were included (80% women, disease begin median age 55years). Treatment was considered aggressive in 57.9% of the sample. Scores were high in extraversion in 50.8% of patients, neuroticism in 29.5% and psychoticism in 14.7%. Neuroticism was the only factor associated with aggressive treatment, which was less probable (p=0.04, OR=0.40). Neuroticism also decreased the possibility of receiving a combination of biologics and DMARDs (p=0.04, OR=0.28). Patients with high scores on neuroticism are more worried, obsessive and hypochondriac, leading them to reject more aggressive therapy. It is important to educate about their disease so that they will accept more aggressive approaches in clear cases of poor outcome.

Leisure, risk awareness and personality factors among female students

Purpose The physical and psychological well-being of students is a subject of concern and public health. This study addresses the question of leisure among female students, their risk assessment concerning these leisure activities and the possible relations with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC).

How Multidimensional Health Locus of Control predicts utilization of emergency and inpatient hospital services.

Health locus of control may be an important predictor of health care utilization. We analyzed associations between health locus of control and frequency of emergency department visits and hospital admissions, and investigated self-rated health as a potential mediator. Overall, 863 patients in an urban emergency department completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control instrument, and self-reported emergency department use and hospital admissions in the last year. We found small but significant associations between Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and utilization, all of which were mediated by self-rated health. We conclude that interventions to shift health locus of control may change patients' perceptions of their own health, thereby impacting utilization.

The health locus of control concept: Factorial structure, psychometric properties and form equivalence of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales.

Contradictory evidence exists on the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale’s factor structure and the psychometric equivalence between Form A and Form B. University students (N = 359) completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and General Self-Efficacy scales. The three-factor model had better fit and parsimony in both Forms. ‘Internal’ scale negatively correlated with ‘chance’ but positively with ‘others’. The two external scales positively correlated. The scales’ reliability was satisfactory, but the two Forms were not psychometrically equivalent. Convergent validity was confirmed. The evidence suggests a three-factor structure and psychometric non-equivalence of the two Forms. Researchers should make an informed choice on which Form to use.

The health locus of control in middle‑aged low‑risk patients qualified for coronary artery bypass grafting with extracorporeal circulation

Introduction. The health locus of control gives a possibility to determine the patient’s self‑efficacy resources, which are specific in locating health control actions. It also enables prediction of the type of health behaviours the patient will exhibit during recovery after a cardiac surgery. Aim. The aim of the study was to use the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) to assess the occurrence of the internal health locus of control (IHLC), powerful others (PHLC) and chance (CHLC) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting according to their sex, occupational activity and education. The occurrence of types of health locus of control was also assessed. Material and methods. 52 patients aged 47–63 years were tested (46 men – 88.5% and 6 women – 11.5%). The position of health control was tested by means of the Polish version of the American MHLC adapted by Juczynski. Results. The average scores were as follows: I – 27.92 points, O – 29.60 points, C – 22.61 points. The research revealed statistical dependencies for some MHLC dimensions and for the sex and education. MHLC Type 7 – undifferentiated, strong (19 patients, 36.6%) was the most common.

Mobile phone owners' health behaviors

Introduction: The consistently growing number of mobile phone users has contributed to increasing interest in the effects of mobile phones on human health. Purpose: To assess the preferred health behaviors of mobile phone users. Materials and methods: The study included 175 mobile phone users and used standardized tools, such as the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale and the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI). Results: Most respondents had an impact on their own health (avg. 26.9 points). Respondents showed the highest level of health behaviors in relation to attitude, whereas the lowest level towards health practices. We distinguished three groups in the study population: with high (14.9%), low (47.4%), and average (37.7%) levels of health behaviors. We cannot unequivocally state that there is a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of certain fungal genera/species on mobile phone and hand surfaces and the health locus of control. Conclusions: The respondents themselves mainly had an impact on their own health, and those in favor of this opinion attached greater importance to washing their hands. Respondents showed the highest level of health behaviors in relation to mental attitude, whereas the lowest level towards preferred health practices. Almost half of the respondents showed low levels of health behaviors, whereas almost every seventh respondent had high levels of health behaviors. No significant relationship was shown between the preferred health behaviors and the frequency of washing hands, the number of colonies and the isolation frequency of fungal strains collected from the surfaces of mobile phones and the hands of their owners.

Older American Indians’ Perspectives on Health, Arthritis, and Physical Activity: Implications for Adapting Evidence-Based Interventions, Oregon, 2013

IntroductionDespite the high prevalence of arthritis and physical disability among older American Indians, few evidence-based interventions that improve arthritis self-management via physical activity have been adapted for use in this population. The purpose of this study was to identify beliefs about health, arthritis, and physical activity among older American Indians living in a rural area in Oregon to help select and adapt an arthritis self-management program.MethodsIn partnership with a tribal health program, we conducted surveys, a focus group, and individual interviews with older American Indians with arthritis. Our sample comprised 6 focus group participants and 18 interviewees. The 24 participants were aged 48 to 82 years, of whom 67% were women. Forms B and C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) instrument, modified for arthritis, measured MHLC.ResultsThe concepts of health, arthritis, and physical activity overlapped in that health was a holistic concept informed by cultural teachings that included living a healthy lifestyle, socializing, and being functionally independent. Arthritis inhibited health and healthy behaviors. Participants identified barriers such as unreliable transportation and recruiting challenges that would make existing interventions challenging to implement in this setting. The Doctor subscale had the highest MHLC (mean = 4.4 [standard deviation (SD), 1.0]), followed by the Internal subscale (3.9 [SD, 1.4]) and the Other People subscale (2.8 [SD, 1.1]).ConclusionsExisting evidence-based programs for arthritis should be adapted to address implementation factors, such as access to transportation, and incorporate cultural values that emphasize holistic wellness and social interconnectedness. Culturally sensitive programs that build on indigenous values and practices to promote active coping strategies for older American Indians with arthritis are needed.

PTH-054 Home-Testing of Faecal Calprotectin Using the IBDoc™ System: A Comparative Pilot Study

Introduction Faecal calprotectin (FCAL) is a useful test for monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity. Providing a stool sample in person to the hospital laboratory is an anecdotally unpopular method with poor uptake. A new FCAL kit (IBDoc™, Buhlmann Labs AG, Switzerland) enables self-testing using a proprietary collection tube, camera smartphone and app. The aim of this study was to assess patient’s adherence to, and experience of, a testing regimen using IBDoc™, as well as benchmarking the assay to the standard laboratory test. Methods After focussed training, participants were asked to test using IBDoc™ once a month for four months and provide a standard stool sample which was posted to the hospital laboratory overnight and refrigerated on receipt, to be tested with standard ELISA (Buhlmann). The following questionnaires were applied before and after testing: GAD-7 (anxiety), PHQ-9 (depression), IBD-control-8, Multi-dimensional Health Locus of control (MHLC) and Cognitive Behavioural Responses to Symptoms (CBSRQ). Patients were also asked to record their experiences and preferences for testing on a proprietary questionnaire. REC reference 15/WA/0168. Results 54 consecutive patients (Crohn’s: 23, UC: 31, F = 28, mean age 36.0 ± 9.2 yrs) were enrolled. Participants completed a median of 3 tests (0–4) during the study with 19/54 (35%) completing all four set time points and 17/54 (32%) returning no samples, despite active reminders. There was no difference in any of the questionnaire scores between compliant and non-compliant patients. There was moderate correlation of numerical FCAL results between the two testing methods (r = 0.77, 95%CI 0.68–0.84, p Conclusion There was reasonable uptake and adherence to a demanding testing regimen (more frequent testing than might be required in routine clinical care) with 85% of respondents preferring the IBDoc™ test over other methods. The home testing kit results show only moderate correlation to laboratory ELISA. While this is a promising and clearly popular technology, therefore, further studies are warranted to correlate results to clinical outcomes. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

English

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between influence of health locus of control on medication adherence among outpatients undergoing directly observed treatment-short course (DOTS) and those receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) infection following the spread of HIV epidemic has made treatment of TB and HIV co-infection a public healthcare priority in Nigeria. However, strict adherence to medications is critical for the treatment to be effective and to prevent death due to TB and rapid progression of HIV to full-blown AIDS. Locus of control perceptions of outpatients with TB and HIV infections should be assessed and determined for effective package of treatment that requires strict medication adherence. The participants were 100 outpatients receiving tuberculosis (n = 30) and HIV/AIDS (n = 70) services in seven selected treatment facilities across Edo State, Nigeria. The respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique. All participants were individually administered with multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) scale and Morisky (8-Item) medication adherence questionnaire (MMAQ). Percentage and inferential statistics (ANOVA) were used to analyse the data collected and were tested at p < 0.05. Heath locus of control presents similar influence on medication adherence among outpatients. There was an association between non-adherence (27%) and reported health complications (27%) by outpatients. The reasons cited for missing medications were travelling (48%), work schedule (14.8%), religion activities (14.8%), side effects of drug (11.1%), financial constraints (7.4%) and bereavement (3.7%). It was also observed that Internal-LOC [F = (23, 76) = 0.469, P<0.05], Powerful others-LOC [F = (26, 73) = 0.067, P<0.05] and Luck or chance-LOC [F = (27, 72) = 0.136, P<0.05] present similar influence on medication adherence among tuberculosis and HIV-positive outpatients undergoing treatments. The study revealed that LOC as a personality construct is not determined or influenced by TB or HIV/AIDS conditions. It was further shown that treatment methods such as DOTS for tuberculosis treatment whereby drugs use is directly administered and monitored by healthcare providers with support provided by family members ensured compliance influence of LOC beliefs, especially towards powerful others. Key words: Health, locus of control, medication, adherence, DOTS, tuberculosis, ART, HIV/AIDS

Evaluation of the quality of life people infected with HCV – proposed research instruments

I n t r o d u c t i o n. HCV is an important medical and social problem in Poland and worldwide. O b j e c t i ve. Presentation of the instruments for investigating quality of life of patients diagnosed with hepatitis C. R e s u l t s: The World Health Organization Quality Life Assessment Questionnaire (WHOQOL) evaluates the dimensions of the quality of life: physical, psychological, spiritual, independence, social relations, and the patient’s environment. The WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire assesses the quality of a patient’s life within four spheres: physical, psychological, social and environmental. The following questionnaires may also be used: the Hepatitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (HQLQv2), the Chronic Liver Dise­ase Questionnaire (CLDQ), and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire — Hepatitis C (CLDQ–HCV). For the assessment of coping with the disease, the KMORSZCH scale may be applied ( Brief Method of Assessment of Coping with Disease ). The Nottingham Health Profile ( NHP) allows the evaluation of patient’s functioning in daily life. The Health Behaviour Inventory (IZZ) may be an instrument for evaluation of the level of health behaviours. For assessment of health dimensions in the bio-psych-social sphere the List of Health Criteria (LKZ) may be used. Expectations of patients infected with HCV from a general practitioner may be assessed by the Patient Request Form (PRF). The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) allows the assessment of the level of satisfaction with life. The degree of acceptance of the disease may be evaluated by the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), whereas the sense of health control may be evaluated by the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC). C o n c l u s i o n s. The presented instruments for evaluation of the quality of life of patients with hepatitis C will enable researchers the recognition of specific aspects of functioning of these patients in the bio-psycho-social sphere.

An Exploratory Study of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) among Female Students in a French Context

An Exploratory Study of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) among Female Students in a French Context

The relation of psychological and sociodemographic variables to medication adherence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a cross-sectional study in Greece

Several studies have shown that non- adherence is a common and increasing problem regarding the individuals with chronic illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of psychological and sociodemographic variables on medication adherence among patients with COPD. A sample of 177 participants was recruited from three General Hospitals in the broader area of Athens, consisting of COPD patients. Measurements were conducted with the following instruments: the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC). The results indicated that medication adherence was associated positively with the dimensions of internal health locus of control and doctors, measured by MHLC questionnaire. It was also related negatively to depression, measured by CES-D scale. The present study demonstrates the importance of depression in understanding medication adherence of COPD patients as well as the contribution of heath beliefs.

An enriched environmental programme during inpatient neuro-rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial.

To assess the effectiveness of an enriched environmental activities programme in an inpatient tertiary neuro-rehabilitation unit. A total of 103 participants were randomized to an intervention group (n = 52) undertaking an enriched environmental activities programme or a control group (n = 51) receiving usual ward activity. Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Other measures included: Neurological Impairment Scale; Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Euro-Quality of Life-5D. Questionnaire assessments were performed at admission, discharge and 3-months post-discharge. Mean age of subjects was 62.5 years (standard deviation 18.5), 63% were male; 53 had stroke and the remainder had other neurological conditions. Compared with controls, the intervention group showed significant improvement at discharge in: DASS: "total", "depression", and "stress" subscales (p < 0.05 for all, with small effect sizes (η2) = 0.04-0.05); MoCA (p = 0.048, η2 = 0.04) and FIM motor (total and "self-care", "mobility" subscales (p < 0.05 for all, with moderate effect sizes, η2 = 0.0-0.08). At 3-month follow-up, significant differences were maintained in most secondary outcomes in the intervention group. Cognitive function and activities improved most in participants with stroke. An enriched environmental programme can produce significant improvements in functional and cognitive ability in inpatient neurological cohorts compared with routine ward activity programmes.

Relationships among depression during pregnancy, social support and health locus of control among Iranian pregnant women.

Prenatal depression is a significant predictor of postpartum depression and is detrimental to fetal development. To examine whether depression during pregnancy is associated with social support and health locus of control (HLC). Data were collected from a sample of 208 Iranian pregnant women using a demographic questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the multidimensional HLC Scale and the social support appraisals. Depression was experienced by 37% of participants. Overall, women reported higher level of family support (6.88 ± 1.15) than other supports (6.87 ± 1.29). Protective supports from other resources (6.87 ± 1.29) were higher than those from friends (5.94 ± 1.5). Internal, powerful others and chance beliefs had the highest mean scores. Social support and chance HLC significantly influenced the proposed mediator (depressive mood) in the linear regression model. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between social support (friend, family and others) and depressive mood. Internal HLC had a significant association with social support and powerful others HLC. However, Pearson correlation coefficient was not significant between depressive mood and all dimensions of HLC. Clinicians could assess social support and chance HLC to identify and treat women at risk of prenatal depression. By providing support during pregnancy, depression levels in women and its effects on the fetus may be decreased, which could prevent postpartum depression.

Assessment of psychosocial factors and predictors of psychopathology in a sample of heart transplantation recipients: a prospective 12-month follow-up.

In the last decades, researchers of heart transplantation (HT) programs have attempted to identify the existence of psychosocial factors that might influence the clinical outcome before and after the transplantation. The first objective of this study is the prospective description of changes in psychiatric and psychosocial factors in a sample of HT recipients through a 12-month follow-up. The second goal is to identify predictors of psychopathology 1 year after HT. Pretransplant baseline assessment consisted of clinical form; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Structured Clinical Interview; Coping questionnaire (COPE); Five Factors Inventory Revised; Apgar-Family questionnaire and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC). The assessment 1 year after HT consisted of HADS, COPE, Apgar-Family and MHLC. The sample included 78 recipients. During the waiting list period, 32.1% of them had a psychiatric disorder; personality factors profile was similar to the general population, and they showed adaptive coping strategies. Some changes in psychosocial factors were observed at 12 months after the surgery: lower scores of anxiety and depression, less necessity of publicly venting of feelings and a trend to an internal locus of control. Neuroticism and Disengagement pre-HT were predictors of psychopathology in the follow-up assessment. Pretransplant psychosocial screening is important and enables to find out markers of emotional distress like Neuroticism or Disengagement coping styles to identify patients who might benefit from psychiatric and psychological interventions. Successful HT involved some positive changes in psychosocial factors 12 months after the surgery beyond physical recovery.

PROMOTION HEALTH – EVALUATION OF THE LOCUS OF CONTROL OVER HEALTH

Health is a basic prerequisite for the existence and operation of values. Health care enables people to protect or restore health throughout their lives, from birth to death, in accordance with applicable legislation. This paper aims to identify the importance of assessing a locus of control over health using the scale measuring tool, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHCL). In total, 100 respondents participated in the survey, with an average age of 42 years. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistica, version 2007, with significance level of 0.05. Correlations of MHLC and attitudes toward preventive actions showed statistically significant results with readiness to quit smoking. People with high IHLC scores were more willing to stop smoking, change their diet, and reduce body weight. Our assumption in this research was that individuals who believed in internal control of health had a more positive effect regarding preventive actions.

Locus of control in active physical therapy treatment for non-specific chronic low back pain

AbstractIntroduction The health locus of control is defined as the perception of individuals in relation to whom they believe to be responsible for their health condition, including low back pain.Objective To identify whether individuals suffering from chronic low back pain in active physical therapy treatment believe they are responsible for their own condition.Material and methods Cross-sectional study involving 28 patients under active physical therapy treatment for non-specific chronic low back pain. Sociodemographic data and low back characteristics — including disability and pain severity — were collected. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale was used to assess the health locus of control.Results Participants undergoing active low back pain treatment presented a mean (SD) of 26 points (11.40) in a 0–100 point scale for disability and 6.39 points (2.24) on a 0–10 scale for pain. In relation to the health locus of control, the means (SD) for internal, external and chance subscales were, respectively: 29.32 (3.98), 24.75 (3.58), and 13.71 (6.67). 82.1% of the participants presented higher rates for internal locus of control.Conclusion Patients undergoing active treatment for chronic low back pain believe they are responsible for their own condition. Further longitudinal studies may determine whether active treatments affect the beliefs of low back pain patients.

Determinants of caregivers’ vaccination intention with respect to child age group: a cross-sectional survey in South Korea

ObjectiveThis study examined how knowledge, risk perception, health beliefs and multidimensional health locus of control (HLC) were associated with caregivers’ intention to vaccinate their child, and how these associations varied...