Health Locus of Control and Its Relation with Health-Promoting Behaviors among People over 15 in Bandar Abbas, Iran

Health locus of control is defined as the extent of one’s belief that his/her health is controlled by internal or external factors. The aim of this study was determining the health locus of control and its relation with the health-promoting behaviors among people over 15 in Bandar Abbas, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012. To collect data, Form A of Wallston questionnaire and health-promoting lifestyle profile II (HPLP II) were used. Out of 830 questionnaires, 687 were completed. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict health-promoting behaviors through health locus of control dimensions.

The mean age of participants was 34.3 (SD=12.1) and 49.8% of them were male. There was a significant difference between internal health locus of control, chance, and powerful others (p<0.001). The Least and the most mean scores belonged to chance (21.35) and both powerful others (30.31) and internal health locus of control (30.32), respectively. Based on regression analysis, internal locus of control (β =0.23, p<0.001) and powerful others (β =0.29, p<0.001) significantly predict health-promoting behaviors.

The findings suggest that to improve health behaviors of the individuals, internal control and significant others should be focused in educational intervention programs.