528 - Health locus of control beliefs among older Greek hemodialysis patients: Sociodemographic and psychological correlates

Abstract

Introduction:Quality of life of a significant proportion of patents under hemodialysis treatment is determined by their health locus of control beliefs (internal, external, chance).The aim of the present study was to investigate health locus of control of patients under hemodialysis treatment. Moreover, the relationship between socio-demographic, clinical, psychological factors and health locus of control was explored.Method:A total of 105 patients with chronic kidney failure under hemodialysis treatment (64 men and 41 women) with a mean age of 72.51 ± 7.55 years were recruited and completed (a) a demographic questionnaire, (b) the Multidisciplinary Health Locus of Control Scale and (c) the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.Results:Internal locus of control (the degree to which participants feel they are in control of their own health) fluctuates lower, while locus of control from others (the degree that participants believe that others -doctors- control their health) and luck (the degree to which participants believe their health is a matter of luck) fluctuates higher in our participants than general population. State, trait and total anxiety levels were significantly correlated negatively with internal locus of control and positively with “chance” locus of control scale in the present study.Conclusions:Our participants seemed to feel highly dependent from others, such as treating physicians, nurses, family, hemodialysis machine resulting in a limited sense of freedom and autonomy. Understanding health locus of control beliefs among Greek hemodialysis patients may help health professionals to implement appropriate counseling intervention programs and improve patient psychological state and provided services.