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Multidimensional health locus of control in nurses
1Centre for Health Studies, Salford College of Technology, England.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Investigating health beliefs, specifically health locus of control, is crucial for understanding health behaviors and outcomes. This study examined nurses beliefs, finding significant differences compared to UK norms, impacting nursing education and practice.
Area of Science:
- Health Psychology
- Nursing Education
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Health beliefs, particularly health locus of control, influence health behaviors and outcomes.
- Previous research often isolates patient beliefs, neglecting health professional perspectives.
- Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) provides a framework for assessing these beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the health beliefs of nurses within the North West Regional Health Authority.
- To assess the multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) of nurses.
- To compare nurses' MHLC beliefs with established UK norms.
Main Methods:
- A group of nurses were assessed using measures of internal, powerful others, and chance health locus of control beliefs.
- Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) conceptualization was applied.
- Data were compared against existing UK population norms.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were identified in the structure of health locus of control beliefs among the studied nurses.
- Nurses' MHLC beliefs deviated from UK norms in specific dimensions.
- The findings highlight unique belief structures within this nursing cohort.
Conclusions:
- The identified differences in nurses' health locus of control beliefs have potential implications for nursing education.
- These belief differences may also impact the practical application of nursing care.
- Further investigation into health professional beliefs is warranted to optimize healthcare delivery.