Relationship of participation preference and health locus of control in diabetes education

The relationship between health locus of control type and preference for educational approach was examined in 89 diabetic adults, both hospitalized and ambulatory. In addition, subject personal and demographic variables were examined as they related to health locus of control type and preference for approach. No association was found between hypothesized health locus of control types and preferences for approach. A majority of all health locus of control types (64%) preferred a prescriptive approach. Hospitalized subjects and those who had not attended formal diabetes classes tended to believe that powerful other people had an impact on their health, while subjects who were ambulatory, and those who had previous formal instruction perceived themselves to be more responsible for their health; younger subjects also held high internal beliefs. Participatory approaches were preferred by younger subjects and those who had received formal diabetes instruction. The findings suggested that although educational approaches that maximize participation have been advocated, they did not appear to be the preferred approach. Although participatory approaches might actually be more efficacious in producing behavior change, the finding that people might not prefer them underscores the importance of tailoring educational methodology to individuals; age, place of instruction, and previous diabetes education are factors to be considered in tailoring programs.