Self-directed learning in dental hygiene students: Impact of locus of control and personality traits.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify demographic variables, the level of self-directed learning (SDL), locus of control (LOC), and personality traits in dental hygiene (DH) students and to identify predictive variables for SDL. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey research was conducted with a convenience sample of DH students (n = 229) in the United States using a web-based survey. The validated instruments used were the Self-Directed Learning Instrument (SDLI) to determine level of SDL, the Academic Locus of Control (ALC) scale for college students to evaluate LOC, and the Big Five Inventory-2-Extra Short Form (BFI-2-XS) to identify personality traits. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The completion rate was 68.9% (n = 159). The average SDLI score of the sample was 82.59, indicating a high overall level of SDL. The average ALC score was 10.34, indicating an overall internal LOC. Internal LOC (B = -0.319, SE = 0.082, ß = -0.330, p < 0.001) and an open-minded personality trait (B = 1.156, SE = 0.363, ß = 0.233, p = 0.002) emerged as significant predictors of learning motivation (B = -0.138, SE = 0.057, ß = -0.214, p < 0.017) and self-monitoring (B = 0.553, SE = 0.253, ß = 0.167, p = 0.030) SDLI constructs. CONCLUSION: SDL among DH students can be cultivated by enhancing their learning motivation and self-monitoring skills. This may be achieved by helping learners increase their internal locus of control and open-mindedness. Future studies should explore exercises to help promote these traits.

Reciprocal associations between beliefs about medicines, health locus of control and adherence to immunosuppressive medication in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patients: Findings from the ADE-TRAM study.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are required to strictly adhere to immunosuppressive medications to avoid rejection and infective complications. Since medication adherence is among the most important modifiable behaviors to achieve better outcomes, the aims of this study were to measure the baseline and longitudinal trends of medication adherence and investigate the psychological factors associated with medication adherence in allo-HSCT patients. METHODS: This was a single-center, longitudinal study of patients who underwent allo-HSCT to treat hematological malignancies at the University hospital of Florence (Italy). Adherence was measured with the Immunosuppressive Medication Self-Management Scale; psychological factors (i.e., beliefs about medicines and health locus of control) were measured with the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire and Multidimensional Health locus of Control Scale. Data were collected 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge. A mixed effects model was performed after adjusting for demographic characteristics. RESULTS: 50 adult patients were included in this study. Adherence to immunosuppressant was optimal and increased significantly 3 months after bone marrow transplantation (B = 0.23, p = 0.041). Patients with lower concerns about immunosuppressive medications were more likely to be adherent (B = 0.02, p = 0.040), while those having beliefs that their disease was due to external factors were less likely to be adherent (B = -0.02, p = 0.026) than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: These results underline the importance of psychological factors in affecting adherence to immunosuppressants of allo-HSCT patients. Healthcare providers and researchers should target medication beliefs and reorient locus of control with appropriate interventions, in order to improve adherence.

Persian version of the support and control in birth questionnaire among Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: Lack of perceived support and control during labor and childbirth is known as an important predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth. However, there is no standard scale to measure perceived support and control for Iranian women. This study determined the validity and reliability of the support and control in birth questionnaire for Iranian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Support and control in the birth questionnaire were translated into Persian by the forward and backward translation method in 2019. Among a total of 102 healthcare centers in Tabriz, 50 urban and 10 rural centers were selected randomly. Then, 660 women with vaginal childbirth during the postpartum period were extracted by each center and selected randomly. The validity of the Persian version was evaluated in terms of face, content, and construct validity. Internal consistency and reliability were assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used for evaluating the construct validity of the tool. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.95) and intraclass correlation coefficient (0.99) were acceptable. In an exploratory analysis, three factors were extracted and these three factors explained 63.1% of the total variance. Items 14 and 17 were removed from the Persian version due to low factor loading and impact factor values. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three factors extracted in the exploratory analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis showed suitable indexes of fitness for 31 items. CONCLUSION: Persian version of the support and control in the birth questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for the Iranian women population.

Personality traits and mental distress after COVID-19 testing. Prospective long-term analysis in a Viennese cohort.

Background: Symptoms of mental stress are a hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that just testing for COVID-19 could act as an effective stressor for persisting symptoms of mental distress including posttraumatic stress disorder. Our study aimed to determine whether personal beliefs on individual control and competence (locus of control, LoC) correlate with symptoms of mental distress and positive screening for post-traumatic stress disorder during a 9-month observational period. Methods: Between March and December 2021, we applied online versions of the Questionnaire on Competence and Control Expectations (FKK), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Score (DASS), the Short Screening Scale for DSM-IV Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and a medical history questionnaire for COVID-19 symptoms (visit 1). 48 hours after negative COVID-19 testing, DASS was repeated to address relief effects on mental distress (visit 2). Following 90 days (visit 3), development of mental distress was addressed by a combination of DASS and PTSD, while the possible long-term manifestation of PTSD was evaluated 9 months later (visit 4). Results: At visit 1, 7.4 percent of the total sample (n = 867) demonstrated a positive screening for PTSD, while after nine months (at visit 4), 8.9 percent of the remaining sample (n = 204) had positive screening results. The mean age was 36.2 years; 60.8% were women, 39.2% men. In contrast to individuals with negative PTSD screening, these participants demonstrated a significantly different LoC personality profile. This was confirmed by the results of both DASS and the COVID-19 medical history questionnaire. Conclusion: Following testing for COVID-19, individuals with positive long-term PTSD screening present with significantly different personality traits than those w/o suggesting that self-confidence and effective control over one's own actions serve as a protective function against mental distress.

Cognition, functionality, and life space in older adults: the mediating role of perceived control and autonomy / Cognição, funcionalidade e espaço de vida nas pessoas idosas: o papel mediador da percepção de controle e autonomia

OBJECTIVES: To examine a model of associations between cognition, functionality, and life-space mobility, and the mediating role of perceived control and autonomy. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of older adults aged over 72 years, which used data from the FIBRA study. We used the structural equation modeling technique. Variables in this model were cognition, functionality, perceived control and autonomy, and life-space mobility, with sociodemographic and health covariables. Data imputation was done through the expected maximization method aiming at more effective data utilization. This study was funded by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. RESULTS: The mediation model reached good fit indices. Cognition, functionality, and perceived control and autonomy demonstrated a predictive capacity for life space. Functionality and perceived control and autonomy mediated the relationship between cognition and life space; therefore, cognition influences life space, given its associations with the mediating variables. There was a mediating effect of perceived control and autonomy on the relationship between functionality and life space. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived control and autonomy have an adaptive role when considering changes in personal competencies. This adaptation is reflected on life spaces, indicating an adjustment between competence and environment. Studies aimed at promoting a good relationship between an individual and his or her context maintaining life space should consider perceived control and autonomy as important mechanisms in this relationship

OBJETIVOS: Examinar um modelo de associações entre cognição, funcionalidade e mobilidade em espaço de vida, e o papel mediador da percepção de controle e autonomia. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal, com amostra composta por idosos acima de 72 anos, utilizando dados do estudo FIBRA. Utilizou-se a técnica de Modelagem por Equações Estruturais. As variáveis do modelo foram a cognição, a funcionalidade, a percepção de controle e autonomia e a mobilidade em espaço de vida, com covariáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde. Realizou-se imputação de dados através da técnica Expected Maximization, visando o melhor aproveitamento dos dados. Estudo financiado pela Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. RESULTADOS: O modelo de mediação obteve bons índices de ajuste. A cognição, a funcionalidade e a percepção de controle e autonomia demonstraram capacidade preditiva do espaço de vida. A funcionalidade e a percepção de controle e autonomia mediaram a relação entre a cognição e o espaço de vida, portanto, a cognição influencia o espaço de vida, dada suas associações com as variáveis mediadoras. Houve efeito de mediação da percepção de controle e autonomia na relação entre a funcionalidade e o espaço de vida. CONCLUSÕES: A percepção de controle e autonomia exerce função adaptativa frente às alterações nas competências pessoais. Essa adaptação é refletida nos espaços de vida, indicando ajuste entre competência e meio. Estudos que visem promover uma boa relação entre o indivíduo e seu contexto, mantendo o espaço de vida, devem considerar a percepção de controle e autonomia como mecanismo importante nesta relação."

Impacto de condições bucais na qualidade de vida de crianças/adolescentes com e sem transtorno do espectro autista e de seus familiares / Impact of oral conditions on the quality of life of children/adolescents with and without Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their family

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto dos fatores psicossociais familiares relacionados à saúde bucal de crianças/adolescentes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) comparados com a percepção de pais/cuidadores de crianças/adolescentes sem TEA. Para avaliação da percepção do impacto de condições bucais na qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde bucal (QVRSB), 80 crianças/adolescentes com TEA e 80 sem TEA foram examinadas. Os pais/cuidadores responderam a versão curta do Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). A avaliação da influência dos fatores comportamentais na experiência de cárie dentária foi avaliada em 80 mães de crianças/adolescentes com TEA comparada com 76 mães de crianças/adolescentes sem TEA por meio dos questionários Senso de Coerência e Lócus de Controle (LOC). Informações sociodemográficas das famílias foram coletadas por meio de um questionário estruturado autorrespondido pelos responsáveis. Um único examinador avaliou os seguintes indicadores clínicos: cárie dentária (CPO-D/ceo-d), consequências clínicas da cárie dentária não tratada (PUFA/pufa), presença de placa visível (IPV), sangramento à sondagem periodontal (ISS), má oclusão e traumatismos dentoalveolares (TD). O teste Wilcoxon comparou os domínios e o escore total do P- CPQ entre indivíduos com e sem TEA. O teste qui-quadrado de Pearson foi empregado para avaliar a associação entre o escore total do P-CPQ com os dados sociodemográficos, de saúde e com os indicadores clínicos. As variáveis que apresentaram um nível de significância (p<0,20) na análise bivariada foram incorporadas no modelo final da regressão de Poisson (IC 95%, p<0,05). Para a análise dos fatores comportamentais, os testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Teste-t de Student e Teste de Mann-Whitney foram realizados para avaliar as diferenças de experiência de cárie e variáveis independentes em ambos os grupos. As variáveis que apresentaram nível de significância (p<0,20) no modelo não-ajustado da Regressão Logística foram incorporadas no modelo final da regressão (IC 95%, p<0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em relação à percepção de pais/cuidadores das crianças/adolescentes com TEA sobre as repercussões das condições bucais na qualidade de vida de seus filhos quando comparados à percepção dos pais/cuidadores dos indivíduos sem TEA (p=0,721). O modelo ajustado de crianças com TEA encontrou que crianças que já haviam realizado visita prévia ao dentista têm 3,682 (IC 95% = 1,007 ­ 13,462) vezes mais chance de apresentar experiência de cárie dentária que crianças que nunca foram ao dentista. Enquanto crianças com presença de placa visível têm 3,426 (IC 95% = 1,089 ­ 10,783) vezes mais chance de apresentar experiência de cárie dentária quando comparadas a crianças que não possuem placa visível. A presença de placa visível e a atribuição do acaso ao LOC materno foram determinantes para maior prevalência de experiência de cárie dentária em crianças/adolescentes sem TEA. O grupo com TEA apresentou os mesmos fatores, entretanto a visita prévia ao dentista também foi determinante. A experiência de cárie dentária ainda foi associada à percepção da ocorrência de repercussões negativas na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal das crianças/adolescentes com TEA.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of family psychosocial factors related to the oral health of children/adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared with the perception of parents/caregivers of children/adolescents without ASD. To assess the perception of the impact of oral conditions on oral health- related quality of life (QHRSB), 80 children/adolescents with ASD and 80 without ASD were examined. Parents/caregivers answered the short version of the Parental- Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). The evaluation of the influence of behavioral factors on the experience of dental caries was evaluated in 80 mothers of children/adolescents with ASD compared with 76 mothers of children/adolescents without ASD using the Sense of Coherence and Locus of Control (LOC) questionnaires. Socio-demographic information of the families was collected through a structured questionnaire self-reported by the guardians. A single examiner evaluated the following clinical indicators: dental caries (DMFT/dmft), clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (PUFA/pufa), presence of visible plaque (IPV), bleeding on periodontal probing (ISS), malocclusion and dentoalveolar trauma (TD). The Wilcoxon test compared the domains and the total score of the P-CPQ between individuals with and without ASD. Pearson's chi-square test was used to assess the association between the total P-CPQ score and sociodemographic and health data and clinical indicators. Variables that showed a significance level (p<0.20) in the bivariate analysis were incorporated into the final Poisson regression model (95% CI, p<0.05). For the analysis of behavioral factors, Pearson's chi-square test, Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test were performed to assess differences in caries experience and independent variables in both groups. The variables that showed a significance level (p<0.20) in the unadjusted logistic regression model were incorporated into the final regression model (95% CI, p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in relation to the perception of parents/caregivers of children/adolescents with ASD about the repercussions of oral conditions on their children's quality of life when compared to the perception of parents/caregivers of individuals without ASD (p=0.721). The adjusted model of children with ASD found that children who had already made a previous visit to the dentist are 3.682 (95% CI = 1.007 ­ 13.462) times more likely to experience dental caries than children who had never been to the dentist. While children with visible plaque are 3.426 (95% CI = 1.089 ­ 10.783) times more likely to experience dental caries when compared to children who do not have visible plaque. The presence of visible plaque and the attribution of chance to maternal LOC were determinants for a higher prevalence of dental caries in children/adolescents without ASD. The group with ASD presented the same factors, however the previous visit to the dentist was also decisive. The experience of dental caries was also associated with the perception of the occurrence of negative repercussions on the quality of life related to the oral health of children/adolescents with ASD.

Impact of Autonomy Support on the Association between Personal Control, Healthy Behaviors, and Psychological Well-Being among Patients with Hypertension and Cardiovascular Comorbidities.

A sense of control and autonomy are key components in guiding health-related behaviors and quality of life in people with chronic diseases. This study investigated whether autonomy support from health professionals moderates the impact of personal control on psychological well-being through healthy behaviors in patients with hypertension and cardiovascular comorbidities. Data from 149 hypertensive patients with comorbid cardiovascular risk factors were collected via self-administered surveys. A moderated mediation effect of a hypothesized model was analyzed using the PROCESS macro bootstrapping method. Autonomy support from health professionals moderated the relationship between personal control and healthy behaviors (B = 0.16, t = 2.48, p < 0.05), showing that the effect of personal control on healthy behaviors differed by the level of autonomy support. Additionally, autonomy support moderated the mediation effect of healthy behaviors in the relationship between personal control and psychological well-being (Index = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.010, 0.335). The mediation effect existed only in patients with higher autonomy support. The findings demonstrate that autonomy support from health professionals plays a crucial role in reinforcing the positive impact of personal control on healthy behaviors and psychological well-being. Enhancing the supportive attitudes of health professionals that facilitate patients' autonomous self-regulation is necessary for better health outcomes in people with combined cardiovascular diseases.

Relationships among the Internal Health Locus of Control, Mental Health Problems, and Subjective Well-Being of Adults in South Korea.

The purpose of this study was to confirm the relationship between internal health locus of control, mental health problems, and subjective well-being in adults during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the mediating effect of mental health problems on the relationship between internal health locus of control and subjective well-being was examined. A cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted via online survey. The participants were 600 adults over 20 years of age living in South Korea. The collected data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis and SPSS Process Macro (Model 4). As a result of the study, the internal health locus of control had a significant negative effect on mental health problems. In addition, in the process of the internal health locus of control affecting subjective well-being, the mediating effect of mental health problems was significantly shown. In the period of an infectious disease pandemic such as COVID-19, it is necessary to establish a strong internal health locus of control of individuals and to promote monitoring and treatment introduction for those with a low internal health locus of control. In addition, it was discussed that controlling mental health problems can improve subjective well-being, which is life satisfaction and happiness.

Adherence to Oral Contraception in Young Women: Beliefs, Locus of Control, and Psychological Reactance.

BACKGROUND: There is a high dropout rate of oral contraceptive pills (OCP), mainly due to a lack of adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the psychological processes and attitudes toward medication involved in adherence to OCP, depending on the prescription, to avoid unintended pregnancies (AUP) or gynecological problems (GP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted by asking 689 young women in the fertile period, mean age 23.41 (SD = 5.90), to complete questionnaires related to attitudes, beliefs, psychological reactance, locus of control, and adherence to contraceptive medication. Descriptive analyses and a binary logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The results confirmed that different beliefs and psychological processes were involved in adherence to oral contraception, based on women's reasons for taking contraceptive medication. More psychological processes were involved in non-adherence in the AUP group than in the GP group. Psychological reactance contributed most to explaining non-adherence in women who used the OCP to prevent unintended pregnancies. Conversely, women with gynecological problems reported difficulties in adherence, mainly due to their beliefs about contraceptive pills. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that attitudes toward medication and psychological processes can play an important role in adherence to OCP, including reasons for using the pill. Identifying the psychological factors and beliefs linked with contraception could guide health professionals to provide counseling to women, thus increasing their adherence to medication and maximizing their health and well-being.

Expectation of parental control and the maintenance of bottle-feeding in childhood

Abstract Objective: To investigate association between parental locus of control (belief of individuals about what or who has control of the events of their lives) and bottle feeding habits among children from 3 to 5 years of age. Methodology: Parental locus of control validated in Brazil, and semi-structured questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic, health, and oral habit behaviors was applied to mothers of 992 preschool children. Outcome variable "use of feeding bottle" was studied according to the time of its use (≤36 months and >36 months). Simple logistic regression models were adjusted and raw odds ratios were estimated for variables of distal blocks, which contemplated parental locus of control, socioeconomic characteristics of family, and maternal habits. In the intermediate block, the variables for conditions of the child's birth and place of health care attendance during the prenatal period and early childhood were included. In the proximal block, the time of breastfeeding and pacifier use were reported. Variables were analyzed from the distal to the proximal block, and the individual analyses that presented p ≤ 0.20 remained in each model; included in the subsequent block were the variables with p ≤ 0.10, because this was a study of prevention. Results: Longer time of feeding bottle use was associated with the internal parental locus of control, mothers older than 31 years of age, white race, premature children, who used pacifiers and are treated in the private health system. Conclusions: Children who maintained the habit of feeding bottle use for a longer time were those whose mother presented an internal locus of control.

Expectation of parental control and the maintenance of bottle-feeding in childhood.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate association between parental locus of control (belief of individuals about what or who has control of the events of their lives) and bottle feeding habits among children from 3 to 5 years of age. METHODOLOGY: Parental locus of control validated in Brazil, and semi-structured questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic, health, and oral habit behaviors was applied to mothers of 992 preschool children. Outcome variable "use of feeding bottle" was studied according to the time of its use (≤36 months and >36 months). Simple logistic regression models were adjusted and raw odds ratios were estimated for variables of distal blocks, which contemplated parental locus of control, socioeconomic characteristics of family, and maternal habits. In the intermediate block, the variables for conditions of the child's birth and place of health care attendance during the prenatal period and early childhood were included. In the proximal block, the time of breastfeeding and pacifier use were reported. Variables were analyzed from the distal to the proximal block, and the individual analyses that presented p≤0.20 remained in each model; included in the subsequent block were the variables with p≤0.10, because this was a study of prevention. RESULTS: Longer time of feeding bottle use was associated with the internal parental locus of control, mothers older than 31 years of age, white race, premature children, who used pacifiers and are treated in the private health system. CONCLUSIONS: Children who maintained the habit of feeding bottle use for a longer time were those whose mother presented an internal locus of control.

The impact of parental health mindset on postoperative recovery in children.

BACKGROUND: Mindset, or one's beliefs about the ability to change one's outcomes, has been studied in the educational domain but not in surgical settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of parental health mindset on children's recovery. METHODS: Participants were part of a larger National Institutes of Health-funded trial that included 1470 children undergoing outpatient tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. We used measures of parental coping style (Monitor Blunter Style Scale; MBSS) and medication attitudes (Medication Attitudes Questionnaire; MAQ) to validate the Health Beliefs Scale (HBS; Criterion validity, Cohen's kappa). HBS categorizes parents as having a growth mindset, or the belief that health can be changed, or a fixed mindset, which reflects the belief that individuals cannot change their health. Next, we identified demographic and personality variables (eg, temperament, anxiety) as predictors for the HBS. Finally, we examined the relationship between the HBS with postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Findings supported criterion validity of the HBS. Parents with a growth mindset reported seeking out more medical information (MBSS, 7.15 ± 3.32 vs 6.22 ± 3.38, P < .001, CI = -1.387 to -0.471) and reported fewer misconceptions regarding analgesic use (MAQ, 22.11 ± 4.09 vs 21.41 ± 4.25, P = .035, CI = 0.046 to 1.229). In assessing outcomes, we found that fixed-mindset parents rated their children's postoperative pain as more severe on days 1 (9.22 ± 3.82 vs 8.37 ± 3.71, P = .007, CI = 0.234 to 1.459) and 3 (8.13 ± 4.28 vs 7.27 ± 4.28, P = .007, CI = 0.094 to 1.638) and reported that their children received more doses of ibuprofen on postoperative day 1 (2.91 ± 1.24 vs 2.44 ± 1.44, P = .041, CI = 0.089 to 0.848). There was no difference in children's self-reported pain scores between groups (P = .585). CONCLUSIONS: These findings, coupled with recent mindset intervention studies in the educational space, suggest that parent mindset is an important target for clinical intervention in the context of children's surgical recovery.

Fear of negative appearance evaluation and attitude towards mammography: Moderating role of internal health locus of control,cancer worry and age.

Background: Mammography screening tends to reduce mortality rate through early detection. One of the barriers to mammography screening is fear of negative appearance evaluation(FNAE). This study investigated the impact of internal health locus of control, breast cancer worries and age on the relationship between FNAE and attitude towards mammography. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey design was used. Samples were Iranian women, living in Iran, aged at least 30 years old, without any history of cancer, and had not performed mammography previously based on self-report. In total, 823 samples were collected through conducting an online survey from April to June 2016. The questionnaire consisted of several instruments including attitude toward breast cancer screening procedures scale, FNAEscale, the internal dimension of the multidimensional health locus of control, and two items to measure breast cancer worry. Using covariance-based structural equation modeling the model was tested. Results: The interaction of FNAE with internal health locus of control (ß = -0.128, P<0.05,CI: -0.200, -0.056), breast cancer worry (ß = 0.090, P<0.05, CI: -0.162, -0.017), and age (ß =-0.095, P<0.05, CI = -0.163, -0.026) was significant. The three tested moderators dampened the positive relationship between FNAE and negative attitude towards mammography. Conclusion: More information about the screening procedure should be given to women to overcome their fear. The findings indicate the need for interventions seeking to shift women's health locus of control from external to internal. Women with low level of cancer worry need more attention.

Locus of control in patients with Huntington disease: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Health locus of control (LOC) represents an individual's beliefs regarding one's ability to influence health outcomes. In patients with chronic and neurodegenerative diseases, greater internal LOC has been associated with lower levels of disability. OBJECTIVE: To examine LOC in patients with Huntington disease (HD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of individuals affected by HD, stratified by disease status, was conducted. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Internal Control Index (ICI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects completed the study. All groups demonstrated greater internal LOC (measured by ICI scores), and significant differences between groups were observed. Secondary analysis demonstrated relationships between depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, and ICI score and time from clinical diagnosis of HD. CONCLUSION: As patients with chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases such as HD are likely to present for chiropractic care, identifying factors such as anxiety, depression and LOC may affect patients' response to care.

CONTEXTE: Le locus de contrôle de la santé (LCS) représente les croyances d'une personne sur sa capacité d'influer sur son état de santé. Chez les patients atteints de maladies chroniques et neurodégénératives, un locus de contrôle plus interne est associé à des degrés d'invalidité moindres. OBJECTIF: Observer le LCS chez des patients atteints de la maladie de Huntington. MÉTHODES: On a mené une étude transversale auprès de personnes atteintes de la maladie de Huntington, regroupées en fonction du stade de la maladie. Les participants ont rempli un questionnaire démographique, le questionnaire Internal Control Index (ICI) et le questionnaire HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). RÉSULTATS: Trente-quatre sujets ont participé à l'étude jusqu'à la fin. Dans tous les groupes, on a observé un locus de contrôle plus interne (mesuré par les scores ICI), et des différences significatives entre les groupes. Une étude secondaire a montré l'existence de liens entre les symptômes de la dépression et les symptômes de l'anxiété, de même qu'entre le score ICI et le temps écoulé à partir du diagnostic clinique de la maladie de Huntington. CONCLUSION: Les patients souffrant de douleurs chroniques et de maladies neurodégénératives, comme la maladie de Huntington, sont susceptibles de chercher de l'aide auprès des chiropraticiens. Certains facteurs comme l'anxiété, la dépression et le LCS peuvent influer sur la réponse des patients aux soins.

The Chinese Version of the Work Control Scale for Nurses: Modifying the Translation and Psychometric Testing.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to modify and test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the work control scale (C-WCS). METHODS: The translated scale was administered to 840 nurses in Shanghai. Validity was assessed in terms of content validity and construct validity using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were estimated using Cronbach α and the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Psychometric analyses of the C-WCS indicate high reliability and good content and construct validity. CONCLUSION: The C-WCS has good psychometric properties and can be used as a valid tool for measuring work control among nurses in China. The C-WCS will help to further explore the correlations between perceived work control and organizational quality indicators such as nurses' satisfaction, job stress, well-being, or intention to stay. It can also be used in nursing outcome studies of work control strategies.

The role of self-efficacy and locus of control in asthma-related needs and outcomes: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: This study sought to identify psychological resources, which are associated with improved asthma outcomes. Methods: A total of 205 patients who reported physician-diagnosed asthma were surveyed between September 2017 and March 2018. Psychological resources included self-efficacy (i.e. the belief in one's capabilities to organize and execute required behavior [SE]; assessed by the Short Scale for Measuring General Self-Efficacy Beliefs), and internal and external locus of control (i.e. one's beliefs about whether a given event is the result of one's behavior or of forces outside one's control [LoC]; Scale for Internal External Locus of Control-4). Outcome variables included asthma control (Asthma Control Test), asthma-related quality of life (QoL; Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire-Sydney) and patient needs (Patient Needs in Asthma Treatment Questionnaire). Associations were estimated by linear regressions. Results: We observed that higher self-efficacy and internal LoC scores, but lower scores on the external LoC subscale were associated with improved asthma control (SE: ß = 0.19, p = 0.01; internal LoC: ß = 0.17, p = 0.02; external LoC: ß = -0.18, p = 0.01), better asthma-related QoL (SE: ß = -0.38, p < 0.01; internal LoC: ß = -0.40, p < 0.01; external LoC: ß = 0.46, p < 0.01) and less unmet needs (SE: ß = -0.16, p = 0.02; internal LoC: ß = -0.18, p < .01; external LoC: ß = 0.32, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our study provides novel evidence on psychological resources among patients with asthma, which are associated with improved asthma outcomes.

Locus of control, knowledge, attitude and practice for contraception among adolescents / Locus de control, conocimiento, actitud y práctica en la contracepción entre adolescentes / Lócus de controle, conhecimento, atitude e prática na contracepção entre adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess the relation of the locus of control with the adolescents' knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP). Methods: this is a cross-sectional study with 1,192 high school students. Data were collected using the KAP questionnaire and the Levenson locus of control scale and analyzed by descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: Women presented higher Externality Powerful Others locus of control than man (p=0.0015) and adolescents over 17, higher Externality Chance locus of control (p=<0.0001). Students who used contraceptive methods at the first contraceptive method had higher Externality Powerful Others (p=0.0107) and those who used coitus interruptus, had higher Externality Chance (p=0.0013). Internality was inversely proportional to the practice in relation to the dimensions of the locus of control. Conclusions: The dimensions of the locus of control were related to some contraceptive practices, but little or no relation to knowledge and attitude.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la relación del locus de control con conocimiento, actitud y práctica (CAP) contraceptiva de adolescentes. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado con 1.192 estudiantes de enseñanza media. Los datos fueron recolectados a través del cuestionario CAP y de la escala de locus de control de Levenson y analizados por estadística descriptiva, prueba de Mann-Whitney y prueba de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: Las mujeres presentaron más Externalidad Otros Poderosos cuando comparadas a los hombres (p=0,0015) y los adolescentes mayores de 17 años, más Externalidad Acaso (p=<0,0001). Los estudiantes que hicieron uso de algún método anticonceptivo en la primera relación sexual presentaron más Externalidad Otros Poderosos (p=0,0107) y aquellos que usaron el coito interrumpido, más Externalidad Acaso (p=0,0013). La Internalidad se mostró inversamente proporcional a la práctica en relación a las dimensiones del locus de control. Conclusiones: Las dimensiones del locus de control presentaron relación con algunas prácticas anticonceptivas, pero poca o ninguna relación con el conocimiento y actitud.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a relação do lócus de controle com conhecimento, atitude e prática (CAP) contraceptiva de adolescentes. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com 1192 estudantes de ensino médio. Os dados foram coletados por meio do questionário CAP e da escala de lócus de controle de Levenson e analisados por estatística descritiva, teste de Mann-Whitney e teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: As mulheres apresentaram maior Externalidade Outros Poderosos quando comparadas aos homens (p=0,0015), e os adolescentes acima de 17 anos, maior Externalidade Acaso (p=<0,0001). Os estudantes que fizeram uso de algum método anticoncepcional na primeira relação sexual apresentaram maior Externalidade Outros Poderosos (p=0,0107), e aqueles que usaram coito interrompido maior Externalidade Acaso (p=0,0013). A Internalidade mostrou-se inversamente proporcional à prática em relação às dimensões do lócus de controle. Conclusões: As dimensões do lócus de controle apresentaram relação com algumas práticas contraceptivas, mas pouca ou nenhuma relação com conhecimento e atitude.

Locus of control, knowledge, attitude and practice for contraception among adolescents / Locus de control, conocimiento, actitud y práctica en la contracepción entre adolescentes / Lócus de controle, conhecimento, atitude e prática na contracepção entre adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess the relation of the locus of control with the adolescents' knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP). Methods: this is a cross-sectional study with 1,192 high school students. Data were collected using the KAP questionnaire and the Levenson locus of control scale and analyzed by descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: Women presented higher Externality Powerful Others locus of control than man (p=0.0015) and adolescents over 17, higher Externality Chance locus of control (p=<0.0001). Students who used contraceptive methods at the first contraceptive method had higher Externality Powerful Others (p=0.0107) and those who used coitus interruptus, had higher Externality Chance (p=0.0013). Internality was inversely proportional to the practice in relation to the dimensions of the locus of control. Conclusions: The dimensions of the locus of control were related to some contraceptive practices, but little or no relation to knowledge and attitude.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la relación del locus de control con conocimiento, actitud y práctica (CAP) contraceptiva de adolescentes. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado con 1.192 estudiantes de enseñanza media. Los datos fueron recolectados a través del cuestionario CAP y de la escala de locus de control de Levenson y analizados por estadística descriptiva, prueba de Mann-Whitney y prueba de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: Las mujeres presentaron más Externalidad Otros Poderosos cuando comparadas a los hombres (p=0,0015) y los adolescentes mayores de 17 años, más Externalidad Acaso (p=<0,0001). Los estudiantes que hicieron uso de algún método anticonceptivo en la primera relación sexual presentaron más Externalidad Otros Poderosos (p=0,0107) y aquellos que usaron el coito interrumpido, más Externalidad Acaso (p=0,0013). La Internalidad se mostró inversamente proporcional a la práctica en relación a las dimensiones del locus de control. Conclusiones: Las dimensiones del locus de control presentaron relación con algunas prácticas anticonceptivas, pero poca o ninguna relación con el conocimiento y actitud.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a relação do lócus de controle com conhecimento, atitude e prática (CAP) contraceptiva de adolescentes. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com 1192 estudantes de ensino médio. Os dados foram coletados por meio do questionário CAP e da escala de lócus de controle de Levenson e analisados por estatística descritiva, teste de Mann-Whitney e teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Resultados: As mulheres apresentaram maior Externalidade Outros Poderosos quando comparadas aos homens (p=0,0015), e os adolescentes acima de 17 anos, maior Externalidade Acaso (p=<0,0001). Os estudantes que fizeram uso de algum método anticoncepcional na primeira relação sexual apresentaram maior Externalidade Outros Poderosos (p=0,0107), e aqueles que usaram coito interrompido maior Externalidade Acaso (p=0,0013). A Internalidade mostrou-se inversamente proporcional à prática em relação às dimensões do lócus de controle. Conclusões: As dimensões do lócus de controle apresentaram relação com algumas práticas contraceptivas, mas pouca ou nenhuma relação com conhecimento e atitude.