Positive correlations between the health locus of control and self-management behaviors in hemodialysis patients in Xiamen

Objective:To investigate the association between the health locus of control and selfmanagement behaviors in patients receiving hemodialysis.Methods:Patients receiving hemodialysis in Xiamen,Fujian province,from December 2014 to March 2015 answered the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale and the self-management behavior questionnaire.Results:The participants in this study indicated that they believed others exerted more control over their health than themselves or chance.In addition,the majority of participants had a medium to low level of self-management behaviors.Positive correlations were also observed between a participant's health locus of control and their level of selfmanagement behaviors.Internal health locus of control and external(others)health locus of control were significant predictors of self-management behaviors controlling for the effect of payment method.Conclusion:The results of this study provided evidence that there is a strong relationship between the health locus of control and self-management behaviors in hemodialysis patients.This study provides important information for medical professionals as they design strategies to educate hemodialysis patients on their health locus of control and selfmanagement behaviors.

Perception of persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia

Purpose:To explore how perceptions of self-efficacy,health locus of control and outcome expectancy impact the adherence of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabiato self-care activities.Methods:A descriptive correlation design was used to analyse self-report questionnaires completed by a convenience sample of Arabic-speaking individuals(n=30)with type 2 diabetes mellitus from King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.Results:More than half(53%)of participants reported high self-efficacy,and the majority(77%)valued health and believed that effective diabetes management was important.Although the vast majority(93%)of participants believed that their doctor influenced their diabetes management,90%and 80%also acknowledged themselves and God,respectively,as the health locus of control.Participants who perceived that they or their doctors were in control of their health condition were more likely to adhere to self-care activities,such as follow a specific diet and perform foot care(p<0.05).Furthermore,female participants reported significantly greater adherence to medication than male participants(6.91±0.29 vs 5.14±2.44;p=0.02),and unmarried participants reported greater adherence to exercise than married participants(4.15±2.22 vs 1.60±1.43;p=0.001).Finally,self-efficacy had a significant,positive correlation with participants'adherence to exercise(r=0.491;p=0.006)and performing their foot care(r=0.586;p=0.001).Conclusion:Patients'perceptions of their health should be considered by healthcare providers to maximize adherence to effective self-care management.