Physical activity among other health-related behaviors in treatment of alcoholism

Objective of the paper was to verify an association between the locus of control (LOC) and the level of physical activity (PA) in the group of alcohol addicts.

The study included 136 individuals (Females=53; Males=83; mean age 39.02±9.01 years) with established alcohol dependence, and an age- and education-matched control group (N.=289; Females=170; Females=119). Both groups were examined using Health Behavior Inventory by Juczyński, Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, and an inventory of physical activity objectives (IPAO) by Lipowski and Zaleski.

The alcoholics and the controls were characterized by similar average number of hours spent weekly for PA, but the former group declared slightly higher variability in its forms. Compared to males, female alcoholics spent significantly more time exercising. The alcoholics with various educational levels differed in terms of the PA form number: better educated males preferred greater variability in this matter (F=4.70; P=0.011). An opposite phenomenon was documented in the case of the locus of control (LOC): the level of LOC turned out to be lower among worse educated men (F=4.70; P=0.011). In contrast, female alcoholics with various educational levels did not differ significantly in terms of PA, health-seeking behavior, or LOC levels. Analysis of the control group revealed that educational level exerted significant effect on the number of hours spent on PA; the latter parameter was the highest among better educated respondents (F=6.50; P=0.002).

Increased level of internal control can regulate health-related behaviors of alcoholics. The association between LOC and the role of PA is modulated by such sociodemographic factors as the level of education and gender.