Health locus of control among rural older adults: Associations with demographic, health and preventive health characteristics

The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) is a commonly used measure of health management orientation. Three general domains have been identified from MHLC: Chance, internal, and powerful others. These domains have been used to identify degree of adherence to health behaviors such as weight loss, hypertension and diabetes control, and physical activity. However, there have not been many studies of the degree of adherence to health-promoting behaviors among older adults. This study examined MHLC among 76 older white, African American, and Native American adults in two rural communities. A wide variety of MHLC typologies were observed in this population. Associations of demographic and health characteristics with MHLC were found which may be useful for researchers and health care professionals in understanding these health management orientations for older rural adults. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <[email protected]> Website: <http://www.HaworthPress.com>.