Health behaviors and health locus of control in patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension

Abstract

Background Hypertension is a widespread chronic disease.
Proper diet, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding
tobacco and alcohol can, to a large extent, protect against
this disease. Effectiveness in complying with the recommendations
regarding health-related behaviors depends on
beliefs about the health locus of control of each person.
Aim of the study was to show the relationship between
health behavior and preferred health locus of control in
patients with arterial hypertension, as the exponent in
maintaining optimal health.

Material and methods The study was conducted among
97 people with diagnosed hypertension in the Clinic of
Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery and Clinic of Internal
Medicine of 10th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic
in Bydgoszcz. Health behavior was determined using the
Inventory of health behaviors by Juczyńskiego and health
locus of control was assessed using a MHLC questionnaire
version B, in the adaptation of Juczyński.

Results Individuals with an external locus of control have
better health habits, are more interested in prevention, have
more positive attitude and pay more attention to health
practices than those with internal health locus of and people
who deem that destiny is responsible for their health.

Conclusions Obtained results may allow better identification
of the needs of people with hypertension. This study
may also help in planning of education, which will result in an increase in the level of knowledge, helping patients
in caring for their own health.