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

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

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Allmänmedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- General Practice (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Methods

validation studies

locus of control

prevention

health

behavior

life-style intervention

psychosocial risk-factors

type-2

diabetes-mellitus

psychological distress

external control

self-efficacy

follow-up

prevention

depression

association

Psychology

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)