Health Locus of Control and Compliance in Diabetic Patients

For treatment of Diabetes to be successful patient compliance with therapeutic regimens is very essential. This descriptive study was conducted to examine the relationship between the health locus of control (HLC) orientation and Self-reported compliance with diabetic treatment regimens. The convenience sample of 100 diabetic patients was obtained from a diabetic clinic in Maharashtra. A Demographic Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale, and self-reported Compliance questionnaire were used to collect the data. The average overall rate of self-reported compliance with therapeutic regimen was 39%. Examining the compliance measures it was found that patients were most compliant in following dietary advice, taking medications and follow-up. A significant correlations between the three subscales of the multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) and overall compliance measures were found in this study (p < 0.01). The study suggests that the locus of control has a positive relationship with the compliance practices of diabetic patients. Implications of findings for nursing practice, nursing education, community practice and research are discussed.