Association between nutrition self-efficacy, health locus of control and food choice motives in consumers in nine European countries

We investigated associations between food choice motives and psychological determinants of dietary health behaviour change (nutrition self-efficacy, NS-E, and health locus of control, HLoC) among 9381 participants (18-65 years, 49.4% females) from nine European countries. Price was the highest rated food choice motive. Higher importance of all motives was associated with higher NS-E and with higher Internal HLoC. Relationships between food choice motives and External HLoC were also in the expected direction in showing negative associations with Health, Natural Content, Weight Control, Mood and Sensory Appeal. Higher External HLoC was also associated with perceived greater importance of 'external' motives Ethical Concern, Familiarity and Convenience. Relationships between External HLoC and food choice motives were not all in the expected direction. Price was unrelated to External HLoC. Females rated the importance of all motives higher than males. People with less education ascribed greater importance to Price in motivating food choices. Together, these findings imply that self-efficacy and health locus of control should be considered along with motivations for food choice in dietary health promotion.

A Study on the Sense of Parental Competence, Health Locus of Control and Levels of Anxiety, Depression and Somatization in Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Evidence on a Possible Relationship

Background: Parents of children with chronic conditions face challenges that go beyond basic care and parenting responsibilities. Parents' experiences can be influenced by perceived stress, emotional experiences, feelings of helplessness, low sense of self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, reducing their quality of life. It is therefore not surprising that parents of children with chronic illnesses are more likely to experience stress, anxiety and depression than parents of healthy children. A prevalent chronic condition is type 1 diabetes. Methods: Parents (31 with children with type 1 diabetes diagnosis and 71 with children without chronic illness) were recruited to complete the measures of the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), the Parent Health Locus of Control (PHLOC) and Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC). Results: Significant differences in depression and internal locus of control were found; there was a positive correlation between internal LOC and efficacy in both samples; furthermore, there was a negative correlation between somatization and satisfaction in the experimental group. Conclusions: The ongoing experiences and challenges faced daily make parents perceive themselves as capable. Active involvement in supporting and managing the needs of child with type 1 diabetes could be a source of empowerment for the parent, contributing to the maintenance of their sense of competence. It is important, therefore, to consider the well-being and perception of the parent at a personal level, regardless of the child's situation.

Explaining differences in self-focused and other-involved public health preventive behaviors between the US and China: the role of self- construal and health locus of control

Background

This study examined national similarities and differences in people's engagement in health preventive behaviors during a public health crisis, as well as investigated the underlying individual-level psychological mechanisms. A conceptual distinction was made between self-focused and other-involved preventive behaviors in response to public health crises.

Method

Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the United States (N = 888) and China (N = 844) during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hayes' PROCESS was utilized to assess national differences in seven preventive behaviors, along with the mediating effects of self-construal and health locus of control.

Results

The results showed that American participants reported greater engagement in self-focused preventive behaviors than Chinese, whereas Chinese participants reported greater engagement in other-involved preventive behaviors than Americans. Chinese participants also engaged more in other-involved than self-focused preventive behaviors. Self-construal and health locus of control partially explained the observed differences in engagement in preventive behaviors.

Discussion

This study introduces a culture-sensitive approach to provide insights for crafting communication interventions that can enhance the effectiveness of health campaigns in the context of a public health crisis.

Psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously impacted human activity worldwide, partly due to many governments issuing stay-at-home orders and limiting the types of social interactions citizens can engage in. Hence, this study investigated psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A total of 345 participants were recruited in the study. This research was conducted between February and May 2023 in Sarab, East Azerbaijan, Iran. To measure the data, valid and reliable instruments of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), interpersonal support evaluation list (ISEL-SF), and health-protective behaviors checklist instrument were used.

Results

According to the results, health locus of control (r = 0.227; p < 0.001), social support (r = 0.339; p < 0.001), and COVID-19 preventive behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001) were positively correlated with psychological well-being. The strongest correlation was observed between psychological well-being and protective behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001). In the hierarchical regression model, total, demographic characteristics along with health locus of control, social support, covid-19 preventive behaviors, and history of COVID-19 infection were able to explain 57.4% of the variation in psychological well-being.

Discussion

Public healthcare providers' and policymakers' preventive and supportive actions are highly advised for promoting health locus of control and social support in adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it is better to include a community's social and environmental changes.

Psychiatric Patients' Perceived Health Control and Reactance: Implications for Medication Adherence

Adherence to prescribed treatment is a major challenge in psychiatry, with non-adherence rates estimated to be as high as 50%. Two factors that have been suggested to influence medication adherence in psychiatric patients are perceived health control and psychological reactance. Perceived health control refers to the belief that one can control their own health outcomes, while psychological reactance refers to the negative response that occurs when individuals perceive their freedom or autonomy to be threatened. The aim of this review is to explore the possible relevance and interaction of perceived health control and psychological reactance in the adherence of psychiatric patients to their treatment. Several studies have suggested that higher levels of perceived health control are associated with better medication adherence, while higher levels of psychological reactance are associated with poorer adherence. Moreover, it has been suggested that patients with high levels of perceived health control may be more likely to experience psychological reactance if they feel that their autonomy is threatened by the treatment regimen. Taken together, these findings suggest that perceived health control and psychological reactance may interact to influence medication adherence in psychiatric patients. Future research could explore ways to enhance patients' perceived health control while minimizing psychological reactance in order to improve treatment adherence in this population.

Perception of COVID-19 threat, low self-efficacy, and external locus of control lead to psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic

While it is well documented that the COVID-19 pandemic has had critical consequences for individuals' mental health, few studies to date have investigated the influence of psychological factors on psychological distress in the context of COVID-19. This study explores the influences of self-efficacy, health locus of control, and COVID-19 threat perception on psychological distress (DASS-21). 180 adults completed an online set of standardised questionnaires. Results indicated that self-efficacy had a significant relationship with all three subscales of psychological distress. However, COVID-19 threat perception was significantly associated with stress. External health locus of control was significantly associated with depression by the chance externality subscale, and stress by the powerful others externality subscale. Additionally, external health locus of control was found to moderate the relationship between COVID-19 threat perception and depression.

Positivity and Health Locus of Control: Key Variables to Intervene on Well-Being of Cardiovascular Disease Patients

Psychological well-being is a good predictor of several health outcomes in cardiovascular disease patients (adherence, quality of life, and healthy behaviors). The perception of health control and a positive orientation seem to have a beneficial effect on health and well-being. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of the health locus of control and positivity in the psychological well-being and quality of life of cardiovascular patients. A total of 593 cardiac outpatients completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Positivity Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline (January 2017) and 9 m later (follow-up; n = 323). A Spearman rank correlation coefficient and a structural equation modeling approach were determined to explore the relationships between those variables both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. A cross-sectional correlation analysis at baseline revealed that the internal health locus of control and positivity were negatively associated with anxiety (rs = -0.15 and -0.44, ps < 0.01) and depression (rs = -0.22 and -0.55, ps < 0.01) and positively associated with health-related quality of life (rs = 0.16 and 0.46, ps < 0.01). Similar outcomes were found at follow-up and in longitudinal correlations. According to the path analysis, positivity was found to be negatively associated with anxiety and depression level at baseline (β = -0.42 and -0.45, ps < 0.001). Longitudinally, positivity was negatively associated with depression (β = 0.15, p < 0.01) and together with the internal health locus of control, was positively associated with health-related quality of life (β = 0.16 and 0.10, respectively, ps < 0.05). These findings suggest that focusing on the health locus of control and especially positivity may be crucial in enhancing the psychological well-being of patients in the context of cardiac care. The potential impact of these results on future interventions is discussed.

Longitudinal comparison of health locus of control and subjective well-being in older women with breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the dynamic changes in the health locus of control (HLC) and subjective well-being (SWB) of older women with breast cancer, to explore the relationship between the HLC and SWB of these patients at different time points.

DESIGN

The research method adopted was a longitudinal study. Convenience sampling was used to select older women with breast cancer and their HLC and SWB at different times were evaluated. The ages of the patients were ≥60 years. The survey was conducted starting from the day of admission and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

HLC and SWB.

RESULTS

The HLC and SWB of older women with breast cancer changed dynamically (P < 0.05), and the patients were in poor condition at T1. At each time point, the internal HLC (IHLC) for these patients was positively correlated with the total SWB score. Additionally, powerful others HLC (PHLC), chance HLC (CHLC), and SWB were negatively correlated (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The HLC and SWB of older women with breast cancer change dynamically. Medical staff should pay more attention to the HLC and SWB of patients 1 month after surgery. SWB can be improved by improving the patients' IHLC and reducing their PHLC and CHLC.

Acceptance of Pregnancy-Induced Disease and Intrapersonal Resistance Resources of Pregnant Women-Preliminary Report

The health problems complicating pregnancy are a source of anxiety and concern about the developing fetus' health and life. The aim of the study was to assess the acceptance of illness and selected intrapersonal resistance resources for women whose pregnancies are complicated by gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced hypertension and their determinants. The study was conducted from April 2019 to January 2021 in 688 pregnant women who were patients of the pregnancy pathology department and gynecology-obstetrics outpatient clinics in Lublin (Poland), using a diagnostic survey method with the use of the following research tools: Acceptance Illness Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the standardized interview questionnaire. The study group included 337 women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension. The control group included 351 women with an uncomplicated course of pregnancy. The level of acceptance of illness in pregnant women with pregnancy-induced diseases is on the border between medium and high acceptance (29.36 ± 7.82). The respondents in the control group had lower levels of self-efficacy (28.47 vs. 29.62) and health locus of control in the internal dimension (24.61 vs. 26.25) (p < 0.05). Respondents with pregnancy-induced diseases are characterized by the internal dimension of locus of health control.

A model to understand COVID-19 preventive behaviors in young adults: Health locus of control and pandemic-related fear

This study investigated COVID-19 preventive behaviors in young adults, exploring the predictive roles of health locus of control and pandemic fear. A sample of 188 Italian young adults (M_age = 22.76, SD_age = 1.95; 85% girls) completed an anonymous online survey assessing preventive behaviors, health locus of control styles (i.e. internal, chance, powerful others), and two dimensions of pandemic fear. Fear for COVID-19 consequences-but not general fear for contagion-significantly predicted prevention behaviors, and it also moderated the relationships between each health locus of control style and preventive behaviors. Our findings have relevant implications for research and social policies.

Can Nutritional Status in Adults Be Influenced by Health Locus of Control?

The external health locus of control (HLC) is based on an assumption that obtained health results depend on the influences of external factors. As for the internal HLC-that is the effect of our own actions and capabilities. Little is known regarding how the HLC can influence body weight or the occurrence of visceral obesity. The study aimed to assess the relationship between the health locus of control and nutritional status in adults. The study included 744 adults (452 women, 292 men; 2.8% underweight, 43.8% normal weight, 29.7% overweight, and 23.7% obese). In addition to anthropometric measurement and socio-demographic data, the health locus of control, using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) by Wallston K, Wallston B, and DeVellis R, was assessed. The percentage of subjects with an internal HLC did not differ significantly between obese, overweight, and normal-weight groups. However, the percentage of subjects with an external HLC-dependent on the impact of others-was significantly higher in both men and women with obesity than in corresponding overweight and normal-weight groups (p < 0.01). Yet, the percentage of subjects with an external HLC subject to the impact of chance was significantly higher among overweight and obese women than in those of normal weight (p < 0.05) only. Women with overweight or obesity, with external health locus of control, experienced both the impact of others and of chance more often than women with normal weight. However, men with overweight and with obesity more often had external health locus of control influenced only by others.

"All Hands on Deck": Psychological Characteristics of Women with Experience of Oncological Disease Participating in Sailing Cruise-A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

In addition to searching for effective methods of treatment, interventions are sought to support well-being, quality of life, mental health, and recovery. Sailing has its specific features, including task orientation, challenges, contact with people, and nature. This specificity may be treated as a potential therapeutic factor, but it is also likely that people with certain psychological characteristics are involved in it. Therefore, the study aimed to assess some psychological features of women with cancer experience who decided to take part in the Onco-Cruise (Polish: Onko-Rejs).

METHODS

Participants were 56 women (M = 46.73; SD = 9.21). We used NEO-FFI, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, and The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale.

RESULTS

Onco-Cruises participants were characterized by a high level of extraversion (M = 32.48; SD = 7.02; sten score M = 7.21; Mo = 7), openness (M = 31.50; SD = 6.31; sten score M = 7.41; Mo = 8), low neuroticism (M = 21.62; SD = 9.33; sten score M = 4.96), predominance of present hedonistic (M = 12.55, SD = 1.46) and future time perspective (M = 11.39; SD = 2.67), and the internal health locus of control (M = 23.25, SD = 5.43).

CONCLUSION

Group sailing can be favorable for broadly understood health and cancer recovery, but people who choose this activity have certain psychological predispositions, especially indicating high needs for stimulation. Permanent features should be taken into account when proposing various interventions for oncology patients to best suit them to their natural possibilities and preferences and, thus, make them most effective.

The Style of Coping with Stress, the Health-Related Locus of Control, and the Level of Mindfulness of Patients with Chronic Somatic Diseases in Comparison to Healthy People

Background: Psychological factors may be involved in both the development and treatment of somatic diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate the style of coping with stress, health-related locus of control, and level of mindfulness of adult patients with the most common chronic somatic diseases compared with healthy subjects. Methods: 502 chronically ill people were examined (M = 49.27; SD = 14.25), including 288 women and 214 men. The control group consisted of 117 healthy people (M = 45.66; SD = 17.86). The diagnostic survey involved using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: Differences between the clinical and control groups were demonstrated for MHLC: Internal (p < 0.001), Powerful Others (p < 0.05), and Chance (p < 0.001); CISS: Task (p < 0.001) and Avoidance (p < 0.05); and MAAS (p < 0.01). Conclusion: People with chronic somatic diseases, compared to healthy people, have a stronger external and weaker internal health-related locus of control, lower level of task and avoidance style for coping with stress, and lower level of mindfulness.

COVID-19 and risk of retraumatization in adults with a past exposure to potentially traumatic events: A cross-cultural exploration across Egypt, Germany, and Italy

AIMS

This study aims to: (1) explore the links between past exposure to potentially traumatic events, fear of contracting COVID-19 and perceived stress; (2) investigate how the exposure to traumagenic experiences affects one's locus of control over their health; and (3) examine fear, stress reactions and differences in health locus of control across three different sociocultural contexts.

METHODS

A total of 524 adult participants were recruited from Egypt, Germany, and Italy through online channels. Self-reporting instruments were used to assess previous exposure to potentially traumatic events, PTSD symptoms, fear of COVID-19, perceived stress, and health locus of control.

RESULTS

Our findings highlight differences in reaction to COVID-19 in relation to past exposure to potentially traumatic events and country of residence, both of which may inform tailored community-based intervention practices.

CONCLUSION

The impact of COVID-19 might be particularly disruptive for people who survived potentially traumatic experiences. Nevertheless, the mass mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic varies across different sociocultural contexts.

Parent's Health Locus of Control and Its Association with Parents and Infants Characteristics: An Observational Study

The Parent Health Locus of Control (PHLOC) investigates the individual’s beliefs about the factors that govern their state of health and that of their children. The direct association between PHLOC and preventive health behaviours compliance has already been demonstrated in the literature. However, it is still unclear how socio-demographic variables affect the PHLOC. We investigated the Parent Health Locus of Control of parents of full-term and preterm infants and evaluated whether there were any correlations between PHLOC and socio-demographic characteristics of both parents and infants. A single-centre transverse observational study was conducted in the Neonatology Operating Unit IRCCS Ca ‘Granda Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan. A self-administered questionnaire of the PHLOC scale was distributed to a sample of 370 parents of 320 full-term and 52 preterm infants attending the follow-up service. Parents under the age of 36 and with a higher level of education (bachelor’s degree or above) believe less in the influence of the media on their child’s health. Parents of preterm and first-child infants recognize the greater influence of health care workers, while parents of newborns that have experience complications in their clinical course, believe more in the influence of fate (Chance Health Locus of Control) and God. Younger parents with a higher level of education may be more prone to healthy preventative behaviours. Preterm birth is positively associated with an increased trust in health care professionals. The experience of disease can increase a “Chance Health Locus of Control” and risky behaviours. Assessment of PHLOC helps identify categories of parents prone to risky health behaviours and offer targeted health education interventions.

Health Locus of Control and Neurocognitive Function in Latinx and Non-Latinx White People Living With HIV: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Research suggests that health locus of control (HLOC) is related to important health and neurocognitive outcomes in people living with HIV. However, the role of ethnicity in these relationships remains poorly understood. This study explored the role of HLOC on neurocognition in a diverse sample of 134 people living with HIV (Latinx: n = 96; non-Latinx White: n = 38) who completed comprehensive neurocognitive evaluations and the Multidimensional HLOC Scale-Form C. Results indicate no ethnocultural differences in HLOC beliefs (ps > .05). External HLOC (i.e., chance and powerful others) related to worse neurocognition in the Latinx group and contributed to significant variance in global neurocognition and learning, memory, and verbal fluency, underscoring the role of external HLOC beliefs on neurocognition, particularly for Latinx individuals. Additional research is needed to better characterize the mechanistic relationship between HLOC beliefs and neurocognitive function and to further explore this relationship among other underrepresented populations also disproportionately affected by HIV.

Validation of the Persian version of the mental health literacy scale in Iran

The present study was designed to validate an English version of the mental health literacy scale into Persian, in Iran. Statistical population consisted of all residents of 22 municipal districts of Tehran, Iran, in 2018. Multistage sampling methods were used (sample size = 1026). All participants filled the Mental Health Literacy scale; 12-item General Health Questionnaire; Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale and a demographic checklist. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the intra-class correlation coefficient was used for analysing data. All analyses were run with SPSS and AMOS Graphics version 18. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five components (24 items) explaining 21.68%, 20.24%, 8.97%, 6.48% and 5.36% of the variance respectively (totally explained variance = 62.74%). Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable goodness-of-fit (CMIN/DF = 3.19, GFI = 0.887, CFI = 0.893, IFI = 0.894, TLI = 0.877, RMSEA = 0.065). The values of Cronbach's alpha showed satisfactory internal consistency. Two clinical correlates of mental health literacy were investigated. The structure of the mental health literacy scale was to some extent different from the one in O'Connor et al. study, but it was consistent with the definition of MHL presented by Jorm et al. This is the first Persian version of the MHL in the general population in Iran and undoubtedly needs to be checked on more studies.

Employment after renal transplantation vs. the health locus of control and the quality of life

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the presented study was to compare the health locus of control (HLC) between employed and unemployed patients after kidney transplantation (KT), and to investigate the relationship between HLC and the quality of life (QoL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 101 KT patients and the control group of 60 hemodialysis (HD) patients. The applied methods were: the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Questionnaire (MHLC), the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF), and a survey collecting information on the socio-demographic status and work experience.

RESULTS

Overall, 57.5% of KT patients were employed and 42.5% were unemployed. In the HD group, 25% were employed and 71% were unemployed, while 4% did not disclose their employment status. The unemployed KT patients, in comparison with the employed ones, presented a higher feeling of the impact of chance on their health (unemployed M±SD 23.68±6.59; employed M±SD 21.02±4.57) and a lower level of QoL on the Somatic Scale (unemployed Me = 14.00, IQR = 3.00; employed Me = 1450, IQR = 3.00) and the Environmental Scale (unemployed M±SD 15.39±2.83; employed M±SD 16.85±3.24). In the employed KT group, the Internal Control Scale (MHLC) correlated with all QoL scales (the Somatic Scale: r = 0.292, p = 0.036; the Psychological Scale: r = 0.455, p = 0.001; the Social Scale: r = 0.304, p = 0.029; and the Environmental Scale: r = 0.307, p = 0.027). In the unemployed KT group, the Internal Control Scale (MHLC) correlated significantly with the Somatic Scale (r = 0.396, p = 0.013) and the Psychological Scale (r = 0.374, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

The employed KT patients have a higher level of independence, with results indicating a strong internal type. Additionally, the working patients assess their QoL better, both in terms of their health condition and the organization of satisfying environment. The obtained knowledge about the psychological characteristics of KT patients may be useful for the occupational activation programs and psycho-education for those with weaker predispositions. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(1):53-62.

Mental Health Status of People with Multiple Sclerosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses and compares the mental health status of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in Poland during the second wave of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (November 2020) to a similar group whose mental health status was examined in November 2017. It also analyzed the psychological resources such as self-efficacy and health locus of control (HLC) and their relationship to mental health in both groups.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study included two groups of PwMS with 113 respondents each. The respondents completed the General Health Questionnaire-12 and questionnaires for assessing self-efficacy and HLC. The clinical and demographic data of participants were also collected.

RESULTS

No differences in mental health status were observed between the studied groups. A hierarchical regression model of the group studied in 2020 revealed that general self-efficacy (β = -0.21, p = 0.032), HLC-internal (β = -0.21, p = 0.035), and education (β = -0.18, p = 0.048) explained 18% of the variance in the mental health of PwMS, whereas according to the model of the group assessed in 2017 self-efficacy (β = -0.31, p < 0.001), HLC-chance (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), and HLC-internal (β = -0.37, p < 0.001) explained 48% of the variance.

CONCLUSIONS

Study results suggest that the pandemic and the related lockdown had no effect on the mental health status of PwMS. At the same time, it was noted that well known determinants of mental health such as self-efficacy and HLC seemed to retain their prominent role for mental functioning in the pandemic.

The Use of E-Cigarettes among High School Students in Poland Is Associated with Health Locus of Control but Not with Health Literacy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Since their introduction, the use of electronic cigarettes has increased considerably in the population and among adolescents. Determinants of smoking conventional cigarettes were thoroughly studied in various social groups. However, we know less about the predictors of the use of e-cigarettes in younger generations. The main aim of this study was the assessment of the factors associated with the use of electronic cigarettes among high school students. Specifically, the roles of health literacy (HL) and health locus of control (HLC) were addressed. The analysis was based on the data from a 'pen-and-pencil' survey performed in a large sample of 2223 high school students from southern Poland. The tools used in the survey encompassed 133 items, including a 47-item European Health Literacy Survey questionnaire, an 18-item Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and a set of questions asking about the health behaviors, and sociodemographic and economic characteristics of respondents. In the study sample, 47.5% of the respondents had used e-cigarettes in the past, and 18.6% had used them in the last month. HL was not significantly associated with dependent variables reflecting the use of e-cigarettes. Two types of external HLC were associated with using e-cigarettes in the past, and 'Chance' HLC (CHLC) was also associated with their use in the last month. Males, students of schools providing vocational training, and students declaring more Internet use during the week showed a higher likelihood of ever using e-cigarettes or using them in the last month. Students smoking conventional cigarettes were also more prone to use e-cigarettes. To sum up, it was an unexpected result that HL is not associated with the use of e-cigarettes. A greater likelihood of using e-cigarettes was positively associated with higher CHLC scores, as in the case of smoking traditional cigarettes.

Demographics, health literacy and health locus of control beliefs of Australian women who take complementary medicine products during pregnancy and breastfeeding: A cross-sectional, online, national survey

Background

Pregnant and breastfeeding women's use of complementary medicine products (CMPs) is common, and possibly associated with autonomous health care behaviours. However, the health literacy levels and health locus of control (HLOC) beliefs of women who use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation have not been previously assessed in a large Australian sample.

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the health literacy levels and HLOC beliefs of women who use CMPs in pregnancy and lactation and determine the types of CMPs used.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, national, online survey of Australian pregnant or breastfeeding women aged 18 years and older, and currently using CMPs was conducted.

Results

A total of 810 completed surveys (354 pregnant and 456 breastfeeding women) were analysed. Most had adequate functional health literacy levels (93.3%). Health care practitioners (HCPs) HLOC mean scores were the highest for the sample, followed by Internal HLOC beliefs mean scores. Almost all (n = 809) took at least one dietary supplement, the most popular being pregnancy and breastfeeding multivitamins, iron supplements and probiotics. Use was generally in line with clinical recommendations, except for low rates of iodine supplementation. Herbal medicine use was lower for the total sample (57.3%, n = 464), but significantly higher (p < .0001) for the breastfeeding cohort, with consumers taking one to four herbal medicines each. The most popular herbs were raspberry leaf, ginger, peppermint and chamomile (pregnant respondents) and chamomile, ginger and fenugreek (breastfeeding respondents).

Conclusions

Respondents were health literate, with high scores for Internal and HCP HLOC scales, suggesting that they are likely to demonstrate self‐efficacy, positive health behaviours and work well in partnership with HCPs. HCPs can facilitate discussions with pregnant and breastfeeding women using CMPs, while considering women's health literacy levels, health beliefs and goals.

Willingness to Vaccinate Against COVID-19: The Role of Health Locus of Control and Conspiracy Theories

Understanding the predictors of the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may aid in the resolution of current and future pandemics. We investigate how the readiness to believe conspiracy theories and the three dimensions of health locus of control (HLOC) affect the attitude toward vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the data from an online survey of a sample of Czech university students (n = 866) collected in January 2021, using the multivariate linear regression models and moderation analysis. The results found that 60% of Czech students wanted to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, 40% of the variance of willingness to get vaccinated was explained by the belief in the COVID-19-related conspiracy theories and the powerful others dimension of HLOC. One-sixth of the variance of the willingness to get vaccinated was explained by HLOC, cognitive reflection, and digital health literacy [eHealth Literacy Scale (EHEALS)]. HLOC and conspiracy mentality (CM) and its predictors are valid predictors of a hesitancy to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The campaigns promoting vaccination should target the groups specifically vulnerable to the conspiracy theories and lacking HLOC related to powerful others.

Patient empowerment and self-management behaviour of chronic disease patients: A moderated mediation model of self-efficacy and health locus of control

AIMS

To explore the role of self-efficacy (SE) in the effect of patient empowerment on self-management behaviours among patients with chronic illness and to investigate the moderating effect of three types of health locus of control (HLC) in this moderated mediation model.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional design.

METHODS

Data were collected in a general tertiary hospital, and a sample of 254 patients was recruited between August and October 2020. The effect of moderation and mediation was tested by the PROCESS macro (Model 4 and Model 8) for SPSS 25.0 by Hayes using 5000 bootstrap samples.

RESULTS

Self-efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between patient empowerment and self-management behaviour with a 95% confidence interval excluding zero. The chance HLC demonstrated a moderating effect, and the interaction effect on SE and self-management behaviour was significant.

CONCLUSION

Patient empowerment may improve confidence and adherence to self-management among people with chronic illness, and such benefits were conditional on the HLC of patients.

IMPACT

This study addresses the relationship between patient empowerment and self-management behaviour in patients with different personality characteristics. This result indicated that classifying the type of HLC may enable the identification of subgroups of patients who may subsequently benefit from patient empowerment. In a patient-centred programme, nurses and other healthcare professionals correctly identifying patients' HLC type and understanding the implications and then providing appropriate health care plans for patients with different health beliefs may be useful to tailor the decision-making process.

Determinants of Psychosocial Resilience Resources in Obese Pregnant Women with Threatened Preterm Labor-A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the level of such psychosocial resilience resources as self-efficacy, dispositional optimism, and health locus of control in pregnant women with obesity with threatened premature labor. Methods: The study was performed in the years 2017-2020 in a group of 328 pregnant women hospitalized due to threatened preterm labor and diagnosed with obesity before the pregnancy. The following instruments were applied: the Life Orientation Test, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. Results: Obese pregnant women with threatened premature labor have a moderate level of generalized self-efficacy (28.02) and a moderate level of dispositional optimism (16.20). Out of the three health locus of control dimensions, the highest scores were recorded in the "internal control" subscale (26.08). Statistically significant predictors for the self-efficacy variable model included: satisfactory socio-economic standing (ß = 0.156; p = 0.004), being nulliparous (ß = -0.191; p = 0.002), and the absence of comorbidities (ß = -0.145; p = 0.008). Higher levels of dispositional optimism were found in women who were married (ß = 0.381; p = 0.000), reported a satisfactory socio-economic standing (ß = 0.137; p = 0.005), were between 23 and 27 weeks pregnant (ß = -0.231; p = 0.000), and had no comorbidities (ß = -0.129; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Generalized self-efficacy in obese women with threatened preterm labor is associated with satisfactory socio-economic standing, being nulliparous, and the absence of chronic disease. Dispositional optimism in obese pregnant women with threatened preterm labor is determined by their marital status, socio-economic standing, gestational age, and the absence of comorbidities.

Psychological Variables Associated with HPV Vaccination Intent in Romanian Academic Settings

The aim of this study was to evaluate (1) the female medical students’ knowledge about HPV infection; (2) the associations between the HPV vaccination intent and coping strategies, health locus of control (HLOC), and sense of coherence; and (3) the specific differences between preclinical and clinical students in terms of the vaccination intent. Participants included 1243 female medicine students (mean age = 21.526, SD = 2.007), who completed The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC)—Form A, the Brief COPE Scale, the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), and two questionnaires measuring the knowledge about the HPV infection and the HPV vaccination intent. Results show a good knowledge about HPV, which progressively increased during the study cycles. Still, the main contributors to vaccination intent are represented by coping strategies and health locus of control. Refusal of vaccination is associated to behavioral disengagement and the use of religion, precontemplation and contemplation to denial, and preparation to planning, positive reframing, and the powerful others component of HLOC. Sense of coherence did not predict vaccination intent. In clinical years, active coping outweighs HLOC in making the decision to get vaccinated. These results could be helpful in designing personalized strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy in academic communities.