Diabetes Care, Vol 7, Issue 4 372-377, Copyright © 1984 by American Diabetes Association
Relationship of participation preference and health locus of control in diabetes education
DA Ruzicki
The relationship between health locus of control type and preference for
educational approach was examined in 89 diabetic adults, both hospitalized
and ambulatory. In addition, subject personal and demographic variables
were examined as they related to health locus of control type and
preference for approach. No association was found between hypothesized
health locus of control types and preferences for approach. A majority of
all health locus of control types (64%) preferred a prescriptive approach.
Hospitalized subjects and those who had not attended formal diabetes
classes tended to believe that powerful other people had an impact on their
health, while subjects who were ambulatory, and those who had previous
formal instruction perceived themselves to be more responsible for their
health; younger subjects also held high internal beliefs. Participatory
approaches were preferred by younger subjects and those who had received
formal diabetes instruction. The findings suggested that although
educational approaches that maximize participation have been advocated,
they did not appear to be the preferred approach. Although participatory
approaches might actually be more efficacious in producing behavior change,
the finding that people might not prefer them underscores the importance of
tailoring educational methodology to individuals; age, place of
instruction, and previous diabetes education are factors to be considered
in tailoring programs.