The Relationship between Locus of Control and Psychological Well-Being among Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Health locus of control (HLOC) influences hemodialysis patients’
health beliefs and attitudes which in turn affects their compliance to treatment and
psychological well-being (PWB) as well. Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship
between locus of control and psychological well-being among hemodialysis patients.
Research design: A descriptive research design was utilized in this study. Setting: This
study was carried out in the National Institute of Urology and Nephrology, affiliated to the
General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes, Cairo. Subjects: A sample of
100 patients undergoing hemodialysis for more than six months, from both sexes, aging
between 18 to 65 years old and do not have any mental disorders. Tools of data collection: 1)
Interview Questionnaire tool and it includes socio-demographic characteristics and clinical
data, 2) Multi-dimensional health locus of control scale and 3) Ryff’s psychological well-
being scale. Results: The study showed that more than half of hemodialysis patients under
study had low locus of control and nearly half of them had usual level of psychological well-
being. Also, there was a significant relationship between locus of control and psychological
well-being among hemodialysis patients. Conclusions: There was a significant positive
relationship between health locus of control and psychological well-being among
hemodialysis patients. Recommendations: Further studies are recommended to assess the
factors affecting locus of control beliefs and psychological well-being among hemodialysis
patients. Also, future research to assess health locus of control and psychological well-being
among newly diagnosed hemodialysis patients is recommended.