Locus of Control and Transition Readiness in Youth with Chronic Conditions (2016)

Undergraduates: Meaghan Nazareth, Alexandra Phillips Yi Zhong, Karina Javalkar Cara Haberman, Eniko Rak, Maria Ferris Alexandra Phillips

Faculty Advisor: Maria Ferris
Department: Biostatistics

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Locus of Control (LOC) is a predictor of health beliefs that has been correlated with treatment utilization in adults. A higher internal LOC has been linked to increased health utilization in this population, but LOC has not been examined in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic conditions, particularly in relation to transition readiness of these individuals. Surveys with demographic questions in addition to the Multidimensional Locus of Control (MHLC) Form C and the Self-Management and Transition to Adulthood with Rx=Treatment (STARx) Survey were completed by 177 youth with mean age 12.37 who attended the therapeutic Victory Junction camp in the summer of 2015. Linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between LOC and transition readiness. Youth had conditions including diabetes, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, sickle cell anemia, & kidney disease. LOC scores were used to determine LOC placed internally, or based on chance, doctors, or other providers. An internal LOC was related to increased STARx (¿¿=0.17, p=0.043) and LOC that focused on other people was also related to increased STARx (¿¿=0.35, p=0.001). An increased internal LOC or increased LOC on providers other than the physician is a predictor of patient transition readiness. If we empower patients by providing accessible patient education, we may be able to increase patients' internal LOC, which ultimately may improve their transition readiness and health utilization.