Key result
A single-question internal health locus of control measure weakly correlates with the MHLC Internality scale.
Why the study?
Screening for health locus of control could help identify individuals who might benefit from preventive behavioral change interventions for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Does a single question measuring internal health locus of control (IHLC) correlate with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) in primary care patients?
Cross-Sectional (n=519)
Yes
Does a single question measuring internal health locus of control (IHLC) correlate with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) in primary care patients?
A single-question measure of internal health locus of control showed weak correlation with the established MHLC scale, suggesting the full scale should be used when possible.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Weak correlation cautions against single-item IHLC substitution; leaves open need for validation studies in primary care.
BACKGROUND: Behavioral 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. METHODS: Primary 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. RESULTS: In 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. CONCLUSION: In 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.
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Eriksson et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Primary care patients (n=519). Single question measuring internal health locus of control (IHLC) vs. Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) was evaluated on Correlation between MHLC Internality and IHLC (r = 0.21, p=<0.001). A single question measuring internal health locus of control showed a weak but significant correlation with the MHLC Internality scale.
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