The belief of control and engagement in health related behaviours in the groups of adolescents with type 1 diabetes and excess body weight

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study is to assess the level of health-related behaviours among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and excess body weight, and the correlation occurring between the locus of control and the intensity of selected health-related behaviours among the respondents. Material and methods. The study was conducted among patients of the Diabetes Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Lodz and the Outpatient Clinic for Obesity Prevention and Therapy, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute in Lodz. The age of the patients ranged from 12 to 20. The measurement of the variables was done utilising three methods: the Health Behaviour Inventory (IZZ), the Delta questionnaire to measure the locus of control and a survey of the author's own design. Results. The results indicate, inter alia, that the surveyed young people suffering from type 1 diabetes or excess body weight do not engage in health-related behaviours more intensely than healthy individuals, though, the belief of having influence on their lives (the internal locus of control) dominates among them. What is more, a strong need for social approval is correlated, in the study groups, with the level of healthrelated behaviours, which can suggest that the average level of health-related behaviours stems from a desire to present oneself in a best possible light. Conclusion. Young people with type 1 diabetes and people with excess body weight present a comparable, unfortunately only average, level of health-related behaviours. Results suggest that the respondents probably tried to present themselves in a best possible light and the outcomes obtained, not higher than average, can be overstated, as compared with the actual level of health-related behaviours.