Powerful Others Health Locus Of Control Research Articles

The Impact of Age on the Health Locus of Control in Different Cultural Contexts during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The current study analyzes the impact of age life cycles on the Health Locus of Control construct in different cultural contexts during the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose is to examine whether different age categories impact the health behavior of individuals and change the Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC), Powerful Others Health Locus of Control (PHLC), and Chance Health Locus of Control (CHLC) during the outbreak in Asia and Europe of the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 2617 respondents aged 18–80 from Asia and Europe completed an online version of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale – Form A. To examine the impact of age on the Health locus of control construct, the study participants were divided into three age groups: up to 35, from 36 to 50, and over 50. Data analysis reveals that along with the influence of cultural context on the Health locus of control construct, age periods also impact and change IHLC, PHLC, and CHLC levels. Respondents from Asia, under the age of 35 and in mature adulthood, have a strong tendency to rely on themselves (IHLC) in the regulation of their health behavior. Europeans, compared to Asians, have consistently lower IHLC levels throughout the life cycle. Results also yield differences in relation to PHLC: Europeans, compared to Asians, are less likely to trust powerful others at an early age, while in adulthood, the health control by powerful others increases dramatically. Data analysis also shows that young Asians tend to rely on chance, fate, or luck (CHLC), however, this tendency is not observed among young Europeans. The opposite trend is observed with age: while in Asian culture levels of CHLC decrease with age, in European contexts, these levels increase.

Health locus of control in a pandemic situation: cross-cultural differences between European and Asian respondents

BackgroundThe present cross-cultural study examined the health locus of control construct during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scien-tific purpose of the study was to determine whether, during the pandemic situation, cultural and sex differences influence the health locus of control construct and change the internal health locus of control (IHLC), powerful others health locus of control (PHLC), and chance health locus of control (CHLC).Participants and procedureA total of 2617 recipients aged 18-70 years from Asia (China, India, and Indonesia), and Europe (Bulgaria, Germany, and Hungary) completed a questionnaire about their health. The participants completed an online version of the Multidimen-sional Health Locus of Control Scale – Form A.ResultsThe survey shows that in a pandemic life-threatening situation, most individuals strive to rely on IHLC and/or PHLC, and fewer of them tend to rely on CHLC. However, there are differences (p < .001) between the two cultural samples: the rep-resentatives of Asian collectivistic culture are more dominated by PHLC, compared to the representatives of the European individualistic culture. When the comparison is between individuals from different cultures, sex differentiation affects the health locus of control, and as a result, significant differences in relation to IHLC, PHLC, and CHLC levels (р < .05) appear.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the study indicates that cultural differences influence both the IHLC and PHLC levels, and that Asian partici-pants are dominated by PHLC more than European respondents. Asian females are more likely to seek support from pow-erful others (PHLC) compared to European women, who perceive themselves as more independent. Asian male partici-pants are prepared to rely on powerful others (doctors or medical institutions), while European male respondents are prone to rely on themselves mainly (IHLC). The results show that sex differences do not significantly affect the health locus of control within the same cultural group.

Health locus of control in a pandemic situation: cross-cultural differences between European and Asian respondents

BackgroundThe present cross-cultural study examined the health locus of control construct during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scien-tific purpose of the study was to determine whether, during the pandemic situation, cultural and sex differences influence the health locus of control construct and change the internal health locus of control (IHLC), powerful others health locus of control (PHLC), and chance health locus of control (CHLC).Participants and procedureA total of 2617 recipients aged 18-70 years from Asia (China, India, and Indonesia), and Europe (Bulgaria, Germany, and Hungary) completed a questionnaire about their health. The participants completed an online version of the Multidimen-sional Health Locus of Control Scale – Form A.ResultsThe survey shows that in a pandemic life-threatening situation, most individuals strive to rely on IHLC and/or PHLC, and fewer of them tend to rely on CHLC. However, there are differences (p < .001) between the two cultural samples: the rep-resentatives of Asian collectivistic culture are more dominated by PHLC, compared to the representatives of the European individualistic culture. When the comparison is between individuals from different cultures, sex differentiation affects the health locus of control, and as a result, significant differences in relation to IHLC, PHLC, and CHLC levels (р < .05) appear.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the study indicates that cultural differences influence both the IHLC and PHLC levels, and that Asian partici-pants are dominated by PHLC more than European respondents. Asian females are more likely to seek support from pow-erful others (PHLC) compared to European women, who perceive themselves as more independent. Asian male partici-pants are prepared to rely on powerful others (doctors or medical institutions), while European male respondents are prone to rely on themselves mainly (IHLC). The results show that sex differences do not significantly affect the health locus of control within the same cultural group.

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.

Longitudinal comparison of health locus of control and subjective well-being in older women with breast cancer

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes in the health locus of control (HLC) and subjective well-being (SWB) of older women with breast cancer, to explore the relationship between the HLC and SWB of these patients at different time points. Design The research method adopted was a longitudinal study. Convenience sampling was used to select older women with breast cancer and their HLC and SWB at different times were evaluated. The ages of the patients were ≥60 years. The survey was conducted starting from the day of admission and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Main outcome measures HLC and SWB Results The HLC and SWB of older women with breast cancer changed dynamically (P < 0.05), and the patients were in poor condition at T1. At each time point, the internal HLC (IHLC) for these patients was positively correlated with the total SWB score. Additionally, powerful others HLC (PHLC), chance HLC (CHLC), and SWB were negatively correlated (P < 0.05). Conclusion The HLC and SWB of older women with breast cancer change dynamically. Medical staff should pay more attention to the HLC and SWB of patients 1 month after surgery. SWB can be improved by improving the patients’ IHLC and reducing their PHLC and CHLC.

Health Locus of Control and Self Care Behavior in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Health Locus of Control (HLC) is an individual belief in controlling current health conditions, which is possibly determined by internal or external factors. Belief in the source of health control will influence the effectiveness of diabetes self-care management. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC), Powerful others Health Locus of Control (PHLC), and Chance Health Locus of Control (CHLC) with self-care behavior in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This research applied an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 84 respondents were enrolled in this study by using the consecutive sampling technique. Data collection was conducted by administering questionnaires of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLCS) and Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activities (SDSCA). Data were analyzed by using the Pearson correlation test with a significance level of 0.05. The result showed that PHLC had the highest score of the mean value (26.95) compared to IHLC (25.55) and CHLC (19.25). The mean value of self-care behavior was 3.5. There was significant positive correlation between IHLC and self-care behavior (p-value: 0.001; r: 0.485), significant negative correlation between PHLC and self-care behavior (p-value: 0.048; r: -0.217), and significant negative correlation between CHLC and self-care behavior (p-value: 0.001; r: -0.350). The higher the IHLC score in type 2 DM patients, the better the patient's self-care behavior. However, the higher the PHLC or CHLC score in type 2 DM patients, the lower the patient's self-care behavior. Patients with high IHLC depend on themselves and have awareness of the importance of health. This study suggests the importance of assessing the patient's HLC and providing psychoeducation about HLC, control behaviors, and self-awareness to optimize diabetes self-care in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

The Causes of Guilt in Ready-meal Users: A Focus on Cooking Instructions and Consumers’ Health Locus of Control

Although ready meals have recently increased their market share in the Korean food industry, a literature review found that the use of ready meals triggers feelings of guilt in homemakers. Such guilt arises as a result of several factors apparently related to consumers’ health. Consequently, levels of guilt might be expected to vary depending on consumers’ perceived health locus. The present study aims to examine (a) how health locus affects guilty feelings about ready-meal consumption, (b) how the effect varies in relation to the consumption of different types of ready meal, and (c) the relationship between consumers’ guilty feelings and willingness to buy ready meals. Three dimensions of health locus of control (HLC) -internal HLC (IHLC), powerful-others HLC (PHLC), and chance HLC (CHLC)- were presumed to influence consumers’ feelings of guilt in association with ready meals. Data were collected via an online survey, and participants were randomly assigned to either of two groups: one group was instructed to heat meals in a microwave (ready-to-heat [RTH] group, n=104) and the other cooked using a pan with additional ingredients (ready-to-cook [RTC] group, n=101). The study found that guilty feelings about consuming RTH meals increased in line with increased external HLCs, namely, PHLC and CHLC. For the RTC group, guilt increased in line with increased PHLC. IHLC had no significant effect on guilty feelings in either group. Willingness to buy ready meals decreased for both groups as consumers’ feelings of guilt increased. Even RTC meals, which require more time and energy in food preparation, did not reduce guilty feelings among consumers with higher PHLC. RTC meals are preferable for consumers with higher CHLC, since their sense of greater involvement in the cooking process alleviates their feelings of guilt. Cooking with already prepared and uncooked ingredients brought fun and joy, both for the participants and their significant others. This interpretation may be developed into a strategic plan by ready-meal producers to strengthen their marketing strategy.

Relationship of Health Locus of Control with Breast Cancer Screening Belief of Iranian Women

Promoting breast cancer screening (BCS) behavior of women can lead to a reduction in mortality. The health locus of control affects cancer screening behavior of women; however, there is not sufficient evidence regaring this issue in Iran. The overall goal of our study is to determine the relationship of the health locus of control with the breast cancer screening belief of Iranian Women. This is a cross-sectional study carried out on 325 women in Tehran. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), Breast Cancer Screening Belief Questionnaire (BCSBQ), and Demographic questionnaire were used for collecting data. Statistical analyze was performed by the SPSS version 17 software. The Pearson correlation and regression model were used for data analyze. In this study, 325 women, age 18 to 75 years, participated in this study. The mean±SD of BCSBQ and MHLC score was 40.72±10.41 and 67.78±17.67 respectively. The regression analysis showed that for the one-unit increase in the Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC), Powerful others Health Locus of Control (PHLC), and Chance Health Locus of Control (CHLC) score (dimensions of Health Locus of Control), the total BCSBQ scores increased 0.54, 0.31, and 0.57 respectively. For each unit increase in age and education, the knowledge and perceptions of the BC score increased 0.05 and 0.23 units respectively. For the one-unit increase in the IHLC, PHLC, age, and education dimensions, the attitudes towards the general health check-up score increased 0.17, 0.1, 0.05, and 0.188 respectively. The current study provided new insights about the BCSB of Iranian women with MHLC. In the study, all the dimensions of the health locus of control were useful in predicting the breast cancer screening belief of the participants.

The Relationship between Health Locus of Control and Iranian Women’s Beliefs toward Pap Smear Screening

ABSTRACTBackground:Cervical cancer has a high prevalence and mortality, while early diagnosis greatly reduces its complications. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors affecting the screening of cervical cancer. Studies have shown that health locus of control plays an important role in beliefs about screening. This study aimed to identify the correlation between health locus of control and beliefs about Pap smear among women. Methods: This was a descriptive study which was conducted cross-sectionally. It was conducted on 250 married women who had the inclusion criteria and attended health centers selected by Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Oct. 2017 to February 2018 (a period of 5 months). Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, multidimensional health locus of control scale, and the Pap Smear Belief Questionnaire (PSBQ). Data analysis was carried out through SPSS (v.17) using statistical tests including correlation and regression. The significance level was considered 0.05. Results:Among the participants, 50.8% never had a history of undergoing a Pap smear test. The mean scores for the internal health locus of control (IHLC), chance health locus of control (CHLC), and powerful others health locus of control (PHLC) were 22.59±5.32, 22.84±4.65 , and 24.54±4.28, respectively. The total score for the Pap smear belief had a significant positive correlation with two dimensions: IHLC (r=0.209, P=0.001) and PHLC (r=0.216, P=0.001). In addition, based on the results of the linear regression analysis, the scores of IHLC (R2=0.03, P=0.004), PHLC (R2=0.036, P=0.003), and CHLC (R2=0.16, P=0.04) were the predictors of the total score for the Pap smear belief. Conclusion:Our results showed that all dimensions of the health locus of control were the predictors of belief in women’s Pap smear screening. It is necessary that health care providers hold programs for health locus control of cervix cancer prevention in Iranian women.

Sense of coherence, self-esteem, and health locus of control in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus with/without satisfactory metabolic control.

Despite intensive training, a few individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) fail to reach the desired metabolic targets. To evaluate the association between disease-related emotional and cognitive aspects and metabolic control in subjects with T1DM. Health locus of control (HLOC), sense of coherence (SOC), and self-esteem were assessed in T1DM subjects using validated questionnaires. Sixty-seven consecutive subjects who did not attain the desired HbA1c target (mean HbA1c, 8.3% [67mmol/mol]) were compared with 30 cases in satisfactory metabolic control (HbA1c levels <7%-53mmol/mol). In the overall population, SOC was negatively associated with BMI and average HbA1c, as was the association of self-esteem with HbA1c. Subjects attaining the desired metabolic target were characterized by higher SOC scores, higher Internal HLOC and prevalent Internal vs. Powerful-others HLOC. Compared to subjects in good metabolic control, subjects with unsatisfactory control had lower scores of SOC, Internal HLOC and Self-esteem, with no difference in Powerful others, or Chance HLOC. In the same group, SOC in the upper tertile was significantly associated with self-esteem (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.08-1.69) and PHLOC (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.03-1.49), after adjustment for age, sex, educational level, and comorbidities. Patients who fail to reach a satisfactory metabolic control tend to rely on significant others, trusting in the physicians' skills or on the efficiency of the health-care system. Strategies aimed at increasing self-efficacy and SOC, based on personal ability, are eagerly awaited to help patients improve diabetes care.

Health behaviors and psychological health control types among university students

Introduction. The factors that influence gaining good results of prophylactic programs are human attitudes to health. These attitudes manifest themselves as individual beliefs and health-oriented behaviors. Aim. The aim of the research was to investigate relations between the health control types and health behaviors performed by the university students. Material and methods. The research was conducted in the group of 532 Polish university students in 2009. The average age in the researched group was M=20.74 (SD=1.542). Two questionnaires were used in the survey: the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) worked out by Wallston, Wallston &amp; R. DeVellis and the Inventory of Health Behaviors (IHB) by Juczynski. The MHLC scale allows for evaluating three dimensions of the health locus of control, namely: Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC), Powerful Others Health Locus of Control (PHLC) and Chance Health Locus of Control (CHLC). The Inventory of Health Behaviors (IHB) allows for estimating various kinds of health behaviors categorized into four groups: diet habits, preventive behaviors, positive psychical attitude and health practices. Results. The health behaviors correlate most strongly with the PHLC dimension. The higher result in the PHLC dimension was obtained, the higher were the results in the following three dimensions: preventive behaviors, positive psychical attitudes and health practices. Conclusions. Students manifest the belief that internal control (IHLC) prevail over external sources of health control (PHLC, CHLC). In the studied group, the women have exhibited significantly greater intensification of good diet habits and preventive behaviors. The main factor modifying preventive behaviors performed by researched students is the belief in the influence of other people on the students’ health status.

Health Status Perceptions and Literacy among Low Income Mexican Americans in Texas–Mexico Border Colonias

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine one or more characteristics of low income Mexican American residents in the South Texas-Mexico border region. Therefore, low income Mexican Americans (N=175) residing in South Texas-Mexico Border colonias were sought to participate in a study to determine the following broad predisposing factors: health history, health beliefs, health literacy, perceived health status and nutrition knowledge. The health history of the participants included the following components: anthropometric measurements (perceived and actual), a determination of their body mass index (BMI), skin fold measurements, an index of the activity level, and an assessment for acanthosis nigricans (AN). Method: An across-sectional descriptive study with convenience sampling was conducted in four South Texas-Mexico Border colonias. Descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxin Two Sample Test and the Chi Square/Kruskal Wallis Test were used. Results: A significant difference between males and females was the skin fold measurements (p < 0.0001) with females having greater measurements. Diabetics were older than nondiabetics and people with diabetes reported a greater degree of worry. Those born in the United States with English as the primary language had more years of education and were employed. Those with higher education had lower Chance Health Locus of Control (CHLC) and Powerful Others Health Locus of Control (PHLC) scores and higher nutrition knowledge scores. The participants generally perceived themselves as healthy; however, their physical measures (weight, nutrition knowledge, reported physical activity, and health literacy) were not congruent with these beliefs.

Health attitudes and behaviors: comparison of Japanese and Americans of Japanese and European Ancestry

Adults living in Japan ( N=357) and the US ( N=223) completed semi-structured interviews assessing health-related attitudes and practices. The US respondents were of Japanese ( n=106) and European ( n=117) ancestry. Results indicated considerable similarity between the two US groups and significant differences between the Japanese and American respondents. The Japanese respondents placed less priority on health, had less belief in the efficacy of health screening tests, lower levels of internal health locus of control (HLOC), and higher levels of chance and powerful-others HLOC. While Japanese and Americans had similar overall levels of healthy behaviors, the Japanese were less likely to have obtained health screening tests (especially gynecologic exams). The findings have implications for adapting health promotion programs in the context of Japanese and American cultures.

Cynical hostility, powerful others control expectancies, and patient adherence in hemodialysis.

The present study examined the joint role of cynical hostility and powerful others health locus of control expectancies in predicting regimen adherence in a sample of center hemodialysis patients. Forty-eight hemodialysis patients completed the Cook-Medley Hostility (Ho) Scale and the Powerful Others Health Locus of Control (PHLC) scale. Adherence to the fluid-restriction and phosphorus reduction components of the treatment regimen was assessed by examining patients' interdialysis session weight gains and serum phosphorus (P) levels. In a hierarchical regression analysis, higher hostility was associated with significantly higher serum P levels indicating poorer dietary and medication adherence. The main effect for hostility was qualified by the interaction of hostility and PHLC. This pattern indicated that the deleterious effect of hostility on adherence was most pronounced among patients possessing the expectancy that positive health outcomes are not strongly contingent on the actions or advice of powerful others (eg. health care providers). Similar analyses failed to show significant effects for hostility or PHLC in the prediction of interdialytic weight gain. The present findings suggest that jointly assessing hostility and health-related expectancies may be useful in identifying chronically ill patients who are potentially at risk for difficulties in performing a prescribed regimen.

Relationship between health locus of control, health value, and social support and compliance of persons with diabetes mellitus.

Thirty insulin-dependent outpatients were interviewed during one of their diabetes clinic visits. Questionnaires were used to measure the independent variables of health locus of control, health value, and perceived social support. Self-report and direct observation were used to measure the dependent variable, compliance with insulin administration, diet, exercise, hypoglycemia management, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), and foot care prescriptions. All patients complied with at least 70% of the points measured; half the group complied with at least 80% of the regimen. However, no one complied with all the behaviors deemed essential for good control. The group was most compliant with SMBG, hypoglycemia management, and insulin administration and least compliant with foot care and exercise. A statistically significant relationship was found between compliance and social support (P less than 0.001), powerful others health locus of control (PHLC) (P less than 0.01), and internal health locus of control (IHLC) (P less than 0.05). A multiple regression analysis found that social support and PHLC accounted for at least 50% of the variance in compliance scores. The multiple-R of the independent variables with compliance reached a significance level of P less than 0.005. However, only the two variables of social support and PHLC added significantly (P less than 0.05) to prediction accuracy. The multiple-R of these two variables used as a set reached the significance level of P less than 0.001.