Validation of a single question to measure internal health locus of control in Swedish primary care

Abstract

BackgroundBehavioral risk factors are highlighted in the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Screening for health locus of control could be a feasible way to better identify individuals who could benefit from preventive behavioral change interventions. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between a single question measuring internal health locus of control (IHLC) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) and to assess how IHLC relates to the General Self‐Efficacy scale (GSE) in a primary care setting.MethodsPrimary care patients, aged 18 and older, attending three primary care centers in southwest Sweden were consecutively asked to anonymously participate in the study. The patients were given a questionnaire and instructed to return the questionnaire in a sealed box in the waiting room.ResultsIn all, 519 patients were included. The correlation between MHLC Internality and IHLC was weak (r = 0.21, p < 0.001). An increase of one point on the internality scale of the MHLC gave an odds ratio of 1.19 (95% CI 1.11–1.28) for reporting high IHLC, and thus a five‐point increase gave a doubled likelihood, OR = 2.40, CI 1.67–3.46. The results for the other scales of the MHLC and GSE were similar.ConclusionIn this study, we found weak but statistically significant support for the single‐question IHLC as a measure of internal health locus of control. Given that the correlation was weak, we recommend using the MHLC when possible.