Health locus of control among HIV-positive indigent women

The authors explored the multidimensional construct of health locus of control among 14 indigent HIV-positive women who attended one of two southwestern city health clinics. An exploratory survey design was used to compare the mean responses of the subjects on the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scales with established normative data. The women believed they had control over their health, yet felt powerful others and chance determine their health outcomes. These findings are drawn from high scores on both the Internal and External MHLC Scales. Findings imply that these women may not view themselves as having any control in the dichotomous world of acute and chronic illness. Authors recommend that nurses should encourage their patients to participate in the management of their health care.