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

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between the health locus of control and self-management behaviors in patients receiving hemodialysis.MethodsPatients 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.ResultsThe 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 self-management 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.ConclusionThe 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 self-management behaviors.