The Relationship of Health Locus of Control and Compliance in Clients with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the extent to which health locus of control beliefs are related to compliance with the diabetic treatment regimen in clients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The theoretical framework for the study was Social Learning Theory. A sample of 31 adult subjects with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus completed a demographic data form and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). Glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) was used as an indirect measure of the clients' compliance with the diabetic treatment regimen. The Pearson-product moment correlation coefficient for each MHLC subscale and the GHb value revealed that the Internal and Chance subscales were not correlated with GHb values. A significant negative correlation (-.5853) was found between the Powerful Others subscale and the GHb values indicating that subjects who believed their health was controlled by powerful others had lower GHb values or more diabetic compliance.